Jakarta – Puan Maharani, the Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has extended her greetings for Christmas 2024, urging all Indonesians to strengthen interfaith tolerance during this festive season.
In a statement released on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, Puan Maharani expressed her hopes that Christmas would bring about unity and understanding among Indonesia‘s diverse religious communities. "As we celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year, let us foster a spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood, and share love and kindness with one another," she said.
Puan Maharani, who is also a former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, emphasized that Christmas is not just a Christian holiday, but a universal occasion that celebrates values such as love, peace, and hope. She called on all Indonesians to use this moment to reaffirm their commitment to religious tolerance.
"In a country as diverse as Indonesia, tolerance is key to building a peaceful and united nation," Puan Maharani stressed. She praised the harmonious coexistence often witnessed during major religious festivals like Christmas, where people of different faiths come together to celebrate and support one another.
The former minister also underscored the importance of respecting and valuing each other’s beliefs, noting that every religion teaches its followers to live harmoniously. She urged the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and comfort of Christian Indonesians during Christmas celebrations.
"Once again, I wish a Merry Christmas to all celebrating. May the joy and peace of Christmas bring blessings to us all," Puan Maharani concluded.
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