Indonesia Cultural Ties: Lantern Festival aims to strengthen Indonesia-China relationship

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The largest cultural exchange program between China and Indonesia is currently being held in Jakarta. The Indonesia Lantern Festival is the first of its kind showcasing Chinese dance performances and hundreds of colorful lanterns to the locals in town in an effort to INCREASE TOLERANCE in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation. CGTN's Sil'kina Ahlu'walia reports from Jakarta.

Bright colorful lanterns lighting up the night sky in Jakarta.

Hundreds of them are on display as part of the Indonesia Lantern Festival, an event aimed at strengthening cultural ties between Indonesia and China.

XU YANG REPRESENTATIVE, CHINESE PERFORMERS As you can see China has a profound culture. This is just one small part of Chinese culture. The lanterns don't only show the culture of China but also the Indonesian culture here.

One of the highlights of the event is an acrobatic dance performance coming all the way from China's Sichuan province.

SILKINA AHLUWALIA JAKARTA, INDONESIA Indonesia and China's relationship dates back to as far as the 15th century. This event is held to celebrate and strengthen that relationship. It also gives locals a closer look at the Chinese culture, helping to promote tolerance in the country.

This event helps to honor the local Chinese, a large community that has actively participated in various fields in Indonesia including education, social culture and economy.

DEVI SULISTIANTI ORGANIZING COMMITTEE, INDONESIA LANTERN FESTIVAL I hope this event teaches the locals here to respect the rich history of China.

Indonesia's cultural diversity has played an important role in the country's development. Just as these lanterns symbolize the hope for a bright future, so does the relationship between China and Indonesia. Silkina Ahluwalia, CGTN, Jakarta.