Jakarta — Monsignor Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, Chair of the Presidium of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), called on the people of Indonesia, especially Christians, to support the government in eliminating darkness and fostering peace.
Speaking at the 2024 National Christmas Celebration in Jakarta on Saturday (December 28), Mgr. Antonius expressed his hope for Indonesia to become a new Bethlehem—a city of peace amidst diversity. He urged Christians to start with self-reflection and extend their support to the government and societal leaders to achieve this vision.
“How can we create Indonesia as a new Bethlehem if it doesn’t start with ourselves? Let us begin by supporting the government, community leaders, and cultural figures who work together to advance Indonesia,” Mgr. Antonius stated in his address.
“With this Christmas celebration, the more Christian we are, the more Indonesian we are. The more Christian we are, the more Pancasila-minded we become,” he continued, highlighting the alignment between Christian values and Indonesia’s foundational principles.
Mgr. Antonius also encouraged the Christian community to pray for the government, led by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, in their efforts to create a brighter Indonesia, akin to the peaceful Bethlehem where Christ was born.
“Like Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, let the light of brotherhood and compassion radiate from the Indonesian government alongside the Merah Putih Cabinet to drive away the darkness that still lingers in some areas. The world is not perfect; there is still darkness,” he said.
He prayed for the Prabowo administration’s success in overcoming various challenges and eliminating shadows of inequity and injustice in Indonesia.
“May we all, together, control our hearts and minds, guard our words and actions, and continue to glorify and praise God,” Mgr. Antonius urged.
He expressed his hope that Indonesia would become a new Bethlehem, a birthplace for servant-hearted leaders who lead simple lives and prioritize the nation’s interests.
“Let the government and the people journey together toward this new Bethlehem, where Indonesians can praise and glorify God,” he concluded.
— (RR)
