Jakarta’s Bundaran HI circle was thronged with visitors on Saturday, February 14, 2026, as the city’s annual Festival Imlek drew large crowds celebrating the Lunar New Year. The festival, which runs through February 17th, features a variety of attractions including elaborate decorations, light displays, and photo opportunities.
“It’s beautiful, really good for taking photos,” said Jesi, a 26-year-classic visitor, describing the festival’s aesthetic appeal. “There are a lot of spots, but because it’s so crowded, you have to be patient to get a good photo.” Jesi also highlighted the “Cahaya Harmoni” LED light display as a particular draw, noting she attended the festival whereas celebrating Valentine’s Day with friends.
The festival’s popularity extended beyond those specifically celebrating Lunar New Year. Lidia, 28, expressed surprise at the size of the crowds, anticipating fewer people would be in Jakarta during the extended Imlek holiday. “I thought it wouldn’t be this crowded, I figured a lot of people would be vacationing outside Jakarta,” she said. Lidia particularly enjoyed the “Harmony Lantern Walk,” praising the festival as an affordable form of entertainment for Jakarta residents. “It’s interesting, it’s really fun for residents. It’s cheap, you just pay for parking, and you can accept beautiful photos,” she added.
The Festival Imlek Jakarta 2026 encompasses a range of events across the city. A competition for the best Imlek decorations has seen approximately 98 buildings participate, with judging continuing until February 17th. The Festival Pecinan Jakarta is taking place from February 15th to 17th at Anjungan Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. Additional events include “Harmoni Jakarta” at Blok M Hub and “Semarak Imlek,” featuring video mapping displays at Monas. The Jakarta Light Festival, with a Chinese New Year theme, is scheduled for February 16th and 17th in Kota Tua Jakarta, and various temples throughout the city are hosting festival events.
The culmination of the celebrations is scheduled for March 3, 2026, with the Cap Go Meh parade in Glodok’s Chinatown. According to Pramono, the festival is a collaborative effort between the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, state-owned enterprises, the central government, private companies, and other stakeholders. He expressed hope that the festivities would foster a spirit of courage, happiness, and positivity among Jakarta’s residents.