Jakarta — President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the essence of Christmas in Indonesia, celebrating the nation’s diversity and its unified spirit of mutual respect and harmony.
Speaking before tens of thousands of attendees at the 2024 National Christmas Celebration held at the Indonesia Arena, GBK, Senayan, Jakarta, on Saturday (December 28), Prabowo emphasized the importance of unity in diversity.
“We celebrate Christmas as a part of our lives, as a reflection of our identity, recognizing that Indonesia is a diverse nation—a nation full of differences, but united in spirit, in will, in the desire to live harmoniously,” Prabowo said.
On a personal note, Prabowo shared his connection to Christmas as a time for family gatherings.
“The tradition of celebrating Christmas is, for many of us, a time to reunite with family and loved ones,” he added.
“My family includes many who are Christians. I was also born to a mother who was a Christian, making me a testament to a Pancasila family. And proof of its success—here I am, the son of such a family, now serving as President of Indonesia,” Prabowo remarked, earning enthusiastic applause from the congregation.
Prabowo expressed pride and gratitude for being part of the 2024 National Christmas Celebration, which he described as a testament to Indonesia’s ability to embrace unity amidst diversity.
“The greatness of Indonesia lies in our ability to unite, to live in harmony, embracing Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. This is the brilliance of Indonesia. Wherever you look in this gathering, people of different ethnicities, religions, traditions, and regions are here. Yet, we all feel a sense of peace, warmth, and unity today,” he noted.
Prabowo also called on all Indonesians and members of his Cabinet to maintain this spirit of togetherness and ensure a conducive environment for serving the nation.
“I deeply feel the hopes of the Indonesian people, and together with my aides—ministers, coordinators, and all officials within the Indonesian government—we are determined to work tirelessly to serve the people of Indonesia,” Prabowo concluded.
— (RR)
