VP Gibran Attends National Christmas Celebration 2024
VP Gibran Rakabuming Raka arrived at the Indonesia Arena, Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) in Jakarta on Saturday evening to attend the National Christmas Celebration 2024. Accompanied by Minister of Religion Nasruddin Umar, the VP was warmly welcomed by the event’s chairman, Thomas Djiwandono, at around 6:30 PM WIB.
The VP’s arrival was met with a enthusiastic response from the approximately 11,000 event participants who had gathered at the venue since morning. clad in a chocolate brown batik shirt, VP Gibran also took some time to take photos with attendees along the way to his VVIP seat.
Several cabinet ministers, including Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Minister of Justice Supratman Andi Agtas, Minister of Home Affairs Budi Gunawan, Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, and Minister of PPA Arifah Fauzi, were also in attendance. Other notable figures included Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani, Police Chief Sulistyo Sigit, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, TNI Commander Agus Subianto, and Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin.
The event’s organizers had also invited the presence of President Prabowo Subianto.
Christmas Celebration 2024 Kickstarts with Interfaith Prayer
The main event began at 5:00 PM WIB with an interfaith prayer led by prominent religious figures and accompanied by a paduan suara (choir) from prestigious universities. The highlight of the event was the Medley Nusantara, a collaborative art performance showcasing traditional clothing. The celebration concluded with a prayer, peace message, and a choir performance from university students, wrapping up at 9:30 PM WIB.
Betlehem: Symbol of Hope, Justice, and Prosperity
KWI (Konferensi Waligereja Indonesia) Chairman Mgr Antonius Subianto Bunjamin emphasized the importance of understanding the theme of Christmas this year, which centers around Betlehem as a symbol of hope, justice, and prosperity. "We approach Betlehem not just for theological reasons, but also as a symbol of new hope for the Indonesian nation," he said. "Especially under the new government led by President Prabowo Subianto, we hope that this Christmas brings a spirit of interfaith unity and social justice."
The National Christmas Celebration 2024 was not merely a ceremonial event but an opportunity for spiritual reflection and social solidarity.
