Jamwaktu.com – The 2577 Chinese New Year Festival, themed Harmony of the Indonesian Lunar New Year, not only served as a cultural celebration welcoming the Chinese New Year and the holy month of Ramadan, but also transformed into a promotional platform for local MSMEs and creators through a series of engaging events, including a local brand fashion show.

The festival, held at Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta, from February 22 to March 3, 2026, provided a collaborative space for culture, creativity, and the creative economy, combining traditional celebrations with business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Fashion Show as a Means of Promoting Local Products

One of the main highlights of the event series was the fashion show showcasing the work of local designers and brands. This event served as an effective platform to introduce Indonesian fashion products, including contemporary traditional clothing, batik, woven fabrics, and designs based on the acculturation of Chinese and Indonesian cultures.

Unlike traditional fashion shows, the fashion show at Harmoni Imlek Nusantara also provided a space for cultural and creative expression for fashion MSMEs, with designs that blended traditional and modern elements. This event attracted the attention of festival attendees and the media, providing extensive exposure for the local products on display.

Various local brands participated, leveraging the festival’s momentum to expand their marketing networks and connect with potential buyers. This was part of a larger promotional strategy to highlight Indonesia’s leading products amidst the lively cultural events.

Cultural Harmony & Creative Collaboration

The Indonesian Chinese New Year Harmony was designed as an inclusive celebration—combining Chinese culture, local Indonesian traditions, and Ramadan nuances in one festival. The main goal was to emphasize the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) through interactive, cross-cultural experiences that could be enjoyed by all levels of society.

Irene Umar, Chairperson of the Committee and Deputy Minister of Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, stated that the festival was not only a cultural celebration but also a platform for creative economy collaboration. She stated that events such as fashion shows, MSME bazaars, and art installations provided a real space for creative industry players to showcase their abilities to a wider audience.

The festival also combined various aspects of local culture and talent into one large platform: a lantern festival, a culinary and local product bazaar, an open-air museum showcasing Chinese cultural acculturation, and a free health checkup program for visitors.

Business Opportunities & the Impact of MSMEs

At every festival event, MSMEs play a key role in the local creative economy. Not only culinary products, but also craft products, accessories, and even fashion pieces are showcased and marketed to festival visitors. The presence of these fashion shows further stimulates public interest in and interest in the local products on display.

Organizers noted that the MSME bazaar held throughout the festival successfully attracted visitors not only from Jakarta but also from outside the city, which also increased the potential for local product sales. Many businesses reported increased sales turnover during the festival, particularly in the culinary and fashion sectors.

Furthermore, the festival provided a networking platform for MSMEs with other businesses, potential investors, and the creative community. This collaboration is expected to open opportunities for market expansion beyond the festival, even to regional and international markets.

Positive Public Response & Future Hopes

Visitors appreciated the lively event, which was not only for entertainment but also provided educational and economic value. The fashion show and local product exhibition were a particular attraction, especially for the younger generation and fashion enthusiasts.

It is hoped that events like this will become a consistent annual event, providing a platform for more MSMEs and creators to showcase their work and expand their business reach. Festivals with an inclusive approach like Harmoni Imlek Nusantara (Nusantara Chinese New Year) are believed to serve as a model for other creative events to support Indonesia’s creative economy ecosystem.

The Harmoni Imlek Nusantara Fashion Show is not just a fashion show, but also an effective platform for promoting local products and Indonesian creative MSMEs. With a concept that combines culture, creativity, and business opportunities on one stage, this festival elevates the potential of MSMEs to a broader level, strengthening the creative economy, while promoting cultural harmony amidst diversity.