Minister of Religious Affairs Wishes All a Merry Christmas, Hopes it Strengthens Unity and Diversity
In a warm and festive message, Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag), Nasaruddin Umar, has extended his best wishes to all Indonesian Christians celebrating Christmas this year. In a post on his official Instagram account, Nasaruddin expressed his hope that the holiday would bring joy, peace, and unity among all Indonesians, regardless of their religious background.
"Merry Christmas 2024 to all Indonesian Christians. May the joy, peace, and love of Christmas always be with us, strengthening our unity and diversity," wrote Nasaruddin on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.
Prior to the Christmas Eve, the Minister made visits to several churches in Jakarta, accompanied by a high-level delegation including Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Pratikno, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan, Indonesian Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Agus Subiyanto, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and Jakarta Governor Teguh Setyabudi.
During his visits, Nasaruddin lauded the efforts of the local Christian communities in preparing for the holiday, expressing his hopes that Christmas would bring new hopes for Indonesia‘s progress.
"Merry Christmas to all Indonesian Christians. May the peace and joy of Christmas always be with us, bringing new hopes for unity, harmony, and progress for our nation," he said in another Instagram post.
Nasaruddin also emphasized the importance of Christmas as a time for sharing kindness, strengthening bonds, and celebrating Indonesia’s diverse cultural landscape. "Christmas is a moment that reminds us all to share love, strengthen our bonds, and continue to protect our diversity as the strength of our nation," he concluded.
(Reported by Ainur Kusumawati/aik/knv)
