JAKARTA — Christmas 2024 celebrations in Indonesia went smoothly and peacefully, from Holy Night to Eid.
The community celebrated the joyful moment in a conducive atmosphere, with maximum security support from security forces.
Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar expressed his pride in the implementation of Christmas which took place in a peaceful and calm manner.
“All faces are cheerful, yes. So hopefully it will continue like this,” said Nasaruddin Umar after reviewing the Christmas mass at Immanuel Church, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and harmony even though Indonesia consists of various ethnicities and religions.
“This is a source of pride for us, that we may have different ethnicities, there are so many differences. But we can live in harmony,” he added.
Nasaruddin appealed to Christians throughout Indonesia to better appreciate the meaning of Christmas which can provide positive energy for national and state life.
Meanwhile, the police have also prepared maximum security to ensure the smooth running of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Head of Public Relations of Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Ade Ary Syam Indradi, revealed that as many as 4,771 joint personnel have been deployed to secure the Jakarta area.
“Security will be focused on places of worship, crowded centers, tourist attractions, and main transportation routes to ensure smooth community activities during this period,” he said.
He also invited the public to celebrate Christmas with tolerance and empathy, in order to maintain peace.
“We must increase the spirit of tolerance and empathy in this moment. We urge the public to celebrate Christmas and New Year safely, peacefully, and orderly,” he concluded.
The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, also conveyed his Christmas greetings via his Instagram account.
“May the peace and joy of Christmas always illuminate our hearts, bring new hope and strengthen brotherhood in the diversity of the nation,” he wrote.
The message is in line with this year’s Christmas theme, “Let Us Now Go to Bethlehem,” which invites the public to celebrate Christmas with a new spirit towards Golden Indonesia 2045.
With good security and a conducive atmosphere, the entire community can celebrate Christmas peacefully, strengthen relationships between each other, and maintain harmony in differences. (*)