Jakarta — President Prabowo Subianto personally greeted and shook hands with all religious leaders present at the 2024 National Christmas Celebration, held at the Indonesia Arena, GBK complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Saturday (December 28).

Wearing his signature batik attire and black peci, Prabowo, accompanied by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, warmly welcomed the religious leaders as they stepped off the stage following a joint prayer session for Indonesia.

The religious leaders included Reverend Darwin Darmawan, along with interfaith representatives KH. Marsudi Suhud (Islam), Father Agustinus Heri Wibowo (Catholicism), Philip K Wijaya (Buddhism), Pinandita Gede Pastika (Hinduism), and Wenseli Supriyadi (Confucianism).

During the prayer, led by Reverend Darwin on behalf of all faiths, the leaders expressed hopes for Indonesia. Their prayers focused on preserving Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), promoting humanity and justice, peace in global conflicts such as in Palestine, Russia, and Ukraine, and blessings for the leadership of Prabowo and Gibran, along with all state officials.

“In the midst of our differences, diversity, and political choices, may we become agents of unity. Let the harmony of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika serve as an example for nations around the world to live in peace and coexist,” Reverend Darwin prayed on behalf of the gathered leaders.

The 2024 National Christmas Celebration, themed “Let Us Now Go to Bethlehem,” brought together nearly 11,000 congregants from across Indonesia. The event was accessible not only to attendees in Jakarta but also to representatives nationwide via television broadcasts, live streaming, and video conferencing.

— (RR)