Jakarta, 28 February, 2026 — Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency Irene Umar expressed her appreciation for the “Makan Besar Bersama Bobon Santoso” event, which broke a Guinness World Records record as part of the grand finale of the National Lunar New Year Festival 2026. The Lontong Cap Go Meh served during the event became a symbol of acculturation, culinary creativity, and inclusivity.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar appreciated the “Makan Besar Bersama Bobon Santoso” event, which broke a Guinness World Records record during the peak series of the National Lunar New Year Festival 2026 at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta, on Saturday (28/02/2026).
“This communal feast provides an opportunity for MSMEs, content creators, and local communities to showcase innovation while preserving culinary traditions that form part of Indonesia’s creative economy wealth. As the Lunar New Year celebration coincides with Ramadan, the Lontong Cap Go Meh dish symbolizes the acculturation of Chinese culinary heritage and Indonesia’s Ramadan tradition,” said Deputy Minister Irene at the event held at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta, on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
The event featured a communal cooking process with Bobon Santoso, who led the preparation and serving of 5,054 portions of Lontong Cap Go Meh, officially breaking a Guinness World Records record in the category of Most Servings of Lontong Cap Go Meh Served in 8 Hours.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
Thousands of people from diverse backgrounds attended to enjoy the signature Lontong Cap Go Meh dish.
“This communal dining event is not only about enjoying the food, but also serves as a moment for sharing, interacting, and celebrating the richness of culinary heritage and the Cap Go Meh tradition,” added Deputy Minister Irene.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
The “Makan Besar Bersama Bobon Santoso” activity demonstrates that Indonesia’s traditional cuisine is not merely about taste, but also serves as a symbol of unity, a platform for creativity, and the new engine of growth for the nation’s creative economy ecosystem. The values of togetherness, mutual cooperation, and appreciation for culinary culture were clearly reflected in the active participation of the public, reaffirming that the creative economy grows from creativity, culture, and public engagement—not solely from large-scale industries.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
Also in attendance at the communal dining event was Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie, who expressed support for strengthening cross-sector collaboration to expand the impact of Indonesia’s culinary culture.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
