“The Lunar New Year celebrations generated Rp9 trillion in economic circulation in Jakarta,” Karno told reporters in the capital, citing preliminary government estimates.
The provincial administration now expects spending during Ramadan and the run-up to Eid al-Fitr to surpass Rp20 trillion ($1.2 billion). This year, the Hindu Day of Silence, Nyepi, falls on March 8, creating a dense holiday calendar that officials believe will further stimulate retail and tourism activity.
Jakarta staged a five-day Lunar New Year Festival at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle from Feb. 13 to 17, 2026, transforming the city’s main commercial artery into a showcase of cultural attractions.
Highlights included 3D lantern installations depicting the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, a lantern parade, an LED “Pagoda of Harmony Light,” appearances by the God of Fortune Cai Sen Ye, dragon and lion dances, and laser performances designed to draw visitors and boost foot traffic for surrounding businesses.
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To expand the festive impact, the administration also organized a citywide decoration competition involving 98 buildings. The contest, which ran through Feb. 17, aimed to spread celebrations beyond traditional Chinatown areas into office towers, malls and mixed-use developments.
Additional events included the Jakarta Chinatown Festival at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah from Feb. 15 to 17, Harmoni Jakarta at Blok M Hub, and a national Lunar New Year celebration featuring video mapping at the National Monument complex.
A special edition of the Jakarta Light Festival was staged in the Kota Tua heritage district on Feb. 16 and 17.
The administration also hosted the Jakarta Temple Festival, coordinating celebrations across temples citywide, with festivities set to culminate in Cap Go Meh on March 3 in Glodok Chinatown.
On Tuesday evening, officials marked a symbolic transition to Ramadan 1447 Hijri at the Hotel Indonesia circle, blending Islamic-themed cultural performances with Lunar New Year motifs to emphasize Jakarta’s religious diversity.
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Translator: Lia Wanadriani Santosa, Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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