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PRESIDENT Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Wednesday (12/27), 2023 asked Christians residing in Indonesia to provide the world with a good example of peaceful coexistence among different religious groups as diversity is an unavoidable law of nature.
“Religious diversity and differences of opinion are more reasonable in modern life,” he said at the national Christmas celebration in Surabaya, East Java.
Living in harmony and showing mercy are the correct choices as God has taught these values to mankind, Jokowi said, adding that all Indonesians need to keep fighting for and preserving them well in the lives of the nation and state.
“Amid the world facing huge challenges, as marked by food crises, economic crises, conflicts among nations, and even war, we must keep in mind and stay alert as Javanese people say, ‘Eling lan waspodo’,” he said.
Jokowi then highlighted the danger of conflicts and wars as they could cause a civilization to regress. However, unity and harmony could lead a nation toward sustainable development.
“As a nation, we are so lucky that we are able to maintain our unity in diversity. We are lucky to have the five principles of Pancasila. Indonesia is a great nation and state because it is home to 714 ethnic groups who speak more than 1,300 languages,” the president added.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, assessed that this National Christmas celebration was very special, because this was the first time it was being held in person after the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
“We wish Christians a Merry Christmas, this time the Christmas celebration is very special. We will be celebrating the 2023 National Christmas celebration for the first time after the pandemic and will be attended directly by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and a number of ministers,” Sandiaga remarked.
Also attending the event were a number of Advanced Indonesia Cabinet Ministers, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, East Java Deputy Governor Emil Dardak, and Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi. [traveltext.id]
