Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Thousands of people packed the streets along Malioboro and Kilometer Zero Point Yogyakarta on Thursday evening, February 6, 2025, for the grand opening of the Chinese Cultural Week (PBTY).
Governor of the Yogyakarta Special Region, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, officially opened the 20th Yogyakarta Chinese Cultural Week (PBTY XX-2025) at Kilometer Zero Point in Malioboro on Thursday, February 6, 2025, by striking a ceremonial drum.
This year’s festival carries the theme “Art and Culture Shape the Nation’s Character,” symbolizing unity and the reinforcement of national values. The event not only showcases Chinese cultural heritage but also incorporates elements of Yogyakarta’s rich traditions, highlighting the city’s diverse cultural landscape.
Antonio Simon, Chairman of the 20th Yogyakarta Chinese Cultural Week (PBTY XX-2025), announced that this year’s festival will take place from February 6 to 12, 2025, in Kampung Ketandan. He highlighted that this edition is particularly special, as it marks a collaboration with Teras Malioboro Ketandan.
The weeklong festival, kicked off with a vibrant parade featuring cultural performances and a fireworks display from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM local time. The parade showcased not only traditional Chinese arts such as the Lion Dance and Barongsai but also Javanese and regional Indonesian performances.
To accommodate the event, several roads leading to Malioboro were temporarily closed and rerouted. According to local reports, sidewalks along Malioboro and the main stage area at Kilometer Zero Point were densely packed with spectators.
A Celebration of Cultural Diversity
Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, describing the festival as a cultural celebration highlighting Indonesia’s rich ethnic diversity. “This cultural creation is not just entertainment; it is also an effort to enrich our understanding of different traditions,” he stated.
The Chinese Cultural Week, held in conjunction with the Lunar New Year celebrations, marks the arrival of the Year of the Wood Snake in the Chinese zodiac.
The Sultan noted that, according to Chinese cosmology, the wood element in this year’s zodiac symbolizes honor, wealth, and prosperity. “The Year of the Wood Snake is also believed to bring transformative energy, growth, and creativity,” he added.
The Sultan emphasized that the festival serves as a moment for reflection on national unity. “If culture defines a nation and is shaped through learning and interaction, then that process is one of integration and tolerance,” he said.
He stressed that Indonesia’s various ethnic groups, whether Batak, Minangkabau, Javanese, Bugis, or Chinese should preserve their cultural identities as an essential part of the nation’s heritage.
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Economic Impact on Yogyakarta
Antonius Simon outlined several key events featured in this year’s celebrations, including the Ketandan Street Food Festival, a main stage for cultural performances and lion dance attractions, a historical exhibition on the Chinese community’s contributions to Indonesia, various children’s competitions, a traditional Potehi puppet show, and the Malioboro Imlek Carnival, a grand parade marking the Lunar New Year festivities.
Beyond its cultural significance, the Chinese Cultural Week is expected to provide an economic boost not only to Kampung Ketandan, the festival’s central hub, but also to the broader Yogyakarta region. The influx of visitors and business interactions is expected to stimulate the local economy.
Antonius Simon, chairman of the 2025 Chinese Cultural Week organizing committee, noted that hundreds of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are participating in the event. “All 138 available vendor slots were quickly filled, and we had to turn down over 500 additional applicants due to space limitations,” Simon said.
This year’s festival features a diverse range of culinary offerings and cultural performances showcasing Indonesia’s rich artistic fusion. Additionally, the newly established Teras Malioboro in Kampung Ketandan is expected to enhance the festivities, drawing even more visitors to the celebration.
(Raidi/Agung)
