The diversity of Indonesia, with its 1,340 ethnic groups spread across various regions, has made the country one of the world's cultural centers, according to the data collected by the Indonesian Information Portal. Culture also carries symbolic meaning for the community and is associated with their identity. One non-local celebration that has been ingrained in Indonesia since the 7th century is Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year, also known as Imlek, is one of the most anticipated moments for Chinese populations worldwide. The Chinese New Year celebration is held annually according to the lunar calendar, which is based on the moon's cycles and is a belief held by the Chinese community. This year, the celebration will fall on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

Generally, Chinese people will engage in various activities to welcome the Chinese New Year as a form of maintaining harmonious relations with ancestors and creating a positively energized environment, such as:

1. Cleaning the House: This activity aims to cleanse oneself from negative energy and attract good fortune.

2. Decorations: Putting up red lanterns, posters, and other decorations to create a festive atmosphere, such as lanterns, candles, paper fans, and Kumquat or Mandarin Orange Trees.

3. Preparing Special Dishes: Traditional foods like nian gao (sticky rice cake) and various traditional dishes are prepared to welcome the New Year.

4. Temple Worship: Chinese people will perform temple worship in Viharas as a form of gratitude for the blessings, health, and fortune received throughout the year.

In addition, Chinese New Year symbolizes togetherness and tolerance. Some regions in Indonesia even invite local residents to participate in Chinese New Year celebrations as a symbol of tolerance and togetherness through various festivals celebrated in several regions, such as:

1. Lion Dance: A traditional Chinese performance art involving two dancers inside a lion costume. Lion dances have a strong association, particularly during Chinese New Year celebrations. Besides symbolizing strength, the dance is believed to bring good fortune.

2. Grebeg Sudiro: An event that is commonly held in Sudiroprajan, Solo, as part of the Chinese New Year celebration. Grebeg Sudiro itself is a blend of Chinese and Javanese cultures, consisting of carrying agricultural produce in the form of "Gunungan" or a presentation of nian gao (sticky rice cake) paraded around Pasar Gedhe.

3. Tuk Panjang: A celebration held in Semarang during Chinese New Year. Tuk Panjang involves serving food on a 200-meter-long table. The food presented includes various dishes, from nian gao, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, to Hainanese rice and various local menus like vegetables and fruits. The festival is conducted as a symbol of cultural tolerance.

Chinese New Year is not only celebrated for achieving worldly happiness, but in Indonesia, it also represents tolerance among communities and a moment for self-reflection.

For students, learning about this uniqueness not only broadens cultural horizons but also inspires creating a balance in academic and social life. Chinese New Year is an opportunity to reflect on harmony and good fortune in our journey toward a better future.