February 19, 2026 | 02:30 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Democrat Party auctioned a painting by former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, or SBY, during the Chinese New Year celebration of 2477 Kongzili. The painting by the Chair of the Democrat Party's High Council portrays a fiery horse, matching this year's Chinese New Year zodiac, the fire horse.
The 130 x 80 centimeter painting was auctioned during the Democrat Party's CNY celebration at the Djakarta Theater, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. "Why did I choose this painting? [Because] this is the year of the fire horse. The fire horse, from what I read, symbolizes strength, energy, determination, spirit, or enthusiasm, and leads to a great achievement," said SBY at the event.
SBY's fire horse painting features blue and orange tones. The running horse is depicted in blue with a fiery orange mane. "I place the fire horse in an environment, in a peaceful atmosphere. So blue here symbolizes peace," he said.
According to SBY, this painting is also a prayer for Indonesia and the Democrat Party to progress. However, he stated that progress must be achieved through honest, democratic ways, while adhering to ethics.
The painting auction opened at a price of Rp200 million. Democrat cadres and invited guests bid for the work. The highest bid came from Dato Low Tuck Kwong, owner of PT Bayan Resources Tbk, at a price of Rp6.5 billion.
The Chair of the Democrat Party, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, who is also the eldest son of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, said the auction proceeds would be used for social activities. "The painting is entirely for humanitarian aid, to help our brothers and sisters in need, the underprivileged community, including those affected by disasters, especially those of Chinese descent," said Agus.
During this year's CNY celebration, the Democrat Party invited their cadres to attend. Democrat cadres of Chinese descent filled the hall at the Djakarta Theater in an event also attended by the Chair of the Democrat Party's High Council, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
During the event, there were various Chinese artistic performances. Among them were lion dances and Bian Lian, which is part of the Sichuan Opera.
Several figures attended the CNY celebration, including Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana; Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie; Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya; businessman James Riady, as well as Siti Hartati Murdaya, and former badminton player Susi Susanti.
Read: How to Arrange Your Home for Harmony in the Year of the Fire Horse
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