VP Gibran Rakabuming Raka Attends National Christmas Celebration in Jakarta
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia — Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, arrived at the location of the national Christmas celebration and commemoration, Indonesia Arena, in the GBK complex, Senayan, on Saturday (28/12).
Gibran arrived around 17:30 WIB, accompanied by Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasarudin Umar. Both were dressed in brown batik outfits. The eldest son of President Joko Widodo took the time to greet the congregation in the tribune area, not just for photos, but also to chat and engage with them.
However, until Gibran’s arrival, President Prabowo Subianto had not been seen at the location. The president is scheduled to attend and give a speech.
The peak of the national Christmas celebration is expected to be attended by around 11,000 worshippers on Saturday night. Secretary-General of the National Christmas Commemoration 2024, Chief Commissioner Albertus Rachmad Wibowo, said that the Indonesia Arena’s capacity could reach 15,000, but it was reduced due to the use of the main stage for comfort.
"Indonesia Arena’s capacity can reach 15,000. But because we’re using the stage to ensure comfort, we’ve limited the number of attendees to 11,000," Rachmad said during a press conference ahead of the National Christmas event on Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Christmas Commemoration, Thomas Djiwandono, said that the event would not only be attended by the president and vice president, but also by several ministers from the Merah Putih Cabinet.
(thr/asa)
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