Jakarta Promises Livelier, More Colorful Lunar New Year
Reported by Dessy Suciati | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
The Jakarta government has promised a livelier and more vibrant Lunar New Year celebration this year. In collaboration with the Central Government, a series of festivities has been lined up to mark the occasion.
Public and building owners to contribute to Jakarta’s Lantern Festival
"Last week, the central and provincial governments held a joint meeting to coordinate our efforts for the upcoming celebrations," Jakarta Governor, Pramono Anung stated at the Shangri-La Hotel, Wednesday (2/4).
Festivities are scheduled across several hotspots, including Lapangan Banteng, the Cap Go Meh festival in Glodok, and lion dance performances along Jalan Sudirman-Thamrin. Additionally, a Lantern Festival will be held, with a primary focus on the SCBD area.
Jakarta to Host Major Events to Welcome Lunar New Year 2026He noted that, to date, 93 building owners have committed to participating in the Lantern Festival.
"We are encouraging the public and building owners to contribute to Jakarta’s Lantern Festival. Thus far, 93 buildings have officially signed on to join," he added.
Pramono envisions Jakarta as a city where every religious and cultural milestone is celebrated with vibrant energy. He aims to ensure the capital remains colorful and festive during all major celebrations.
The Lunar New Year festivities are slated to run until February 17, just ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. Once Ramadan begins and leads into Idulfitri, the city’s atmosphere will undergo another transformation.
"We will give the city a total makeover to welcome the fasting month all the way through to Idulfitri," he explained.
To boost the Lunar New Year and Idulfitri festivities, the government will once again provide tax incentives for shopping malls hosting discount festivals for the public.
"From February 18 through Idulfitri, we will offer tax breaks to shopping centers that provide discounts, ensuring that shopping in Jakarta becomes more affordable," he explained.
Drawing from the success of the 2026 Christmas and New Year shopping festivals, transaction values reached a staggering Rp 15.2 trillion.
"It was a record-breaking achievement for Jakarta. This was driven by the competitions we held, the tax incentives provided, and the permission for extended, late-night shopping hours," Pramono noted.
Pramono is confident that these sales events will further enliven the festive spirit of this year’s Lunar New Year and Idulfitri celebrations.
