Jakarta – Ahead of the 2024/2025 Christmas and New Year (Nataru) celebrations, various elements of society are urged to strengthen harmony and maintain tolerance in order to create a safe and conducive atmosphere. The government, religious leaders, and civil society emphasize the importance of collaboration to ensure this momentum becomes a reflection of national harmony and unity.
Minister of Religion, Nasaruddin Umar, said that Nataru is not just a religious celebration, but also a momentum to strengthen national values.
“Let us maintain good relations between fellow Indonesian citizens. We give each other support, lakum dinukum waliyadin, differences are beautiful, right,” he said.
The same thing was conveyed by the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Surabaya, RD. Yosef Eko Budi Susilo. On that occasion, Yosef invited the community to increase harmony ahead of the upcoming 2024 Christmas celebration.
“This year in celebrating Christmas, we are reminded to continue celebrating in a simple way, namely, experiencing the birth of Jesus and giving new hope and spirit,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi stated that his party had coordinated with all churches to ensure security in the 2024 Christmas celebrations. The Surabaya City Government is also working with various community organizations (ormas) to maintain the security and comfort of Christians in carrying out their worship.
“Churches should not be careless, including mosques. Managers of places of worship must tighten security, especially at the entrances guarded by security guards. If there are people wearing tightly closed clothing, such as a niqab, the security guard must ask what they need,” he explained.
The Nataru momentum is always a time that is awaited by the Indonesian people, not only as a moment of celebration but also as a real manifestation of the values of diversity and plurality that are the basis of national life.
Amidst global challenges and ever-evolving social dynamics, maintaining harmony is becoming increasingly relevant to ensure social stability and strengthen a sense of unity. Through this celebration, it is hoped that every individual can reflect on the importance of tolerance as the main foundation in building a harmonious life amidst the diversity of cultures, religions, and tribes in Indonesia.
With the spirit of mutual cooperation, Nataru 2024/2025 is expected to be a momentum to strengthen the unity and diversity of Indonesia. All parties are expected to take an active role in maintaining peace for the smooth running of Christmas and New Year celebrations throughout the country.
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