President Prabowo Subianto attends the 2024 National Christmas Celebration held at Indonesia Arena in Senayan, Jakarta, on Saturday (12/28). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Cahyo)
President Prabowo Subianto Saturday (12/28) attended the 2024 National Christmas Celebration held at the Indonesia Arena in Senayan, Jakarta.
More than ten thousand Christians from across the country attended the celebration, which adopted the theme “Let Us Now Go to Bethlehem.”
In his remarks, the President wished Christians a merry Christmas and expressed thanks to those who have worked hard for a peaceful 2024 Christmas celebration.
“Thank you to everyone who has worked hard so that this Christmas celebration can be carried out well in a safe, orderly, harmonious, and amicable manner,” he said, adding that Christmas celebration is a part of the life and identity of the Indonesian people that is full of diversity.
The Head of State also expressed confidence that despite their differences, people of all religions share the willingness to live side by side in harmony and face upcoming global challenges.
“A diverse nation with one soul, one will, one desire, namely the desire to live in harmony, to live as one big family, to achieve common ideals and goals, namely seeking a good life in this world and working hard to face the world to come,” he said.
The celebration proceeded solemnly and began with a prayer led by the Secretary-General of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia Priest Darwin Darmawan, accompanied by five interfaith figures, namely:
- K.H. Nasaruddin Umar from the Muslim community;
- Romo Agustinus Heri Wibowo from the Catholic community;
- Pinandita Gede Pastika from the Hindu community;
- Philip K. Widjaja from the Buddhist community; and
- Wenshe Lie Supriadi from the Confucian community.
On that occasion, President Prabowo Subianto awarded Tiopan Bernhard Silalahi, Aleta Kornelia Baun, and Sister Laurentina SDP the Lifetime Achievement Award as Christian figures who have dedicated themselves to the nation, the state, and the religion.
Head of the 2024 National Christmas Celebration Committee Thomas Djiwandono stated that the award symbolizes appreciation for Christian figures.
“On tonight’s Christmas celebration, for the first time, the national Christmas committee took the initiative to give an award to three dedicated Christian figures,” he said.
The 2024 National Christmas Celebration shone a light on hope for peace and prosperity of the Indonesian people, and unity in facing future challenges.
Furthermore, the Christians’ enthusiasm for participating in this celebration is an important momentum to strengthen the sense of nationalism and mutual respect. (BPMI Setpres/ABD) (DH/EP)
