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"Bishop’s Christmas 2024 proceeds smoothly; Jakarta Cathedral appreciates TNI-Polri"

Alternatives:

  • "Smooth Sailing for Bishop’s Christmas 2024; Jakarta Cathedral Expresses Gratitude to TNI-Polri"
  • "Bishop’s Christmas 2024: A Successful Event, Endeared by Jakarta Cathedral’s Recognition of TNI-Polri"

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Headline: Smooth Natal 2024 Mass at Jakarta Cathedral; Church Expresses Gratitude to TNI, Polri

The implementation of Christmas Mass 2024 at the Jakarta Cathedral in Central Jakarta ran smoothly, a spokesperson for the Cathedral has confirmed. The Church extends its appreciation to the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) for their support and assistance.

Susyana Suwadie, the spokesperson for the Jakarta Cathedral, expressed her gratitude towards the government, especially the officials who visited the Church on Christmas Eve to greet the congregation. She remarked, "We are grateful that the series of masses from Christmas Eve until today has been exceptionally smooth."

"The presence of government officials, including the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Minister of Religious Affairs, accompanied by the Commander of the Army and the Chief of the Indonesian National Police, as well as the acting Governor of Jakarta, has greatly honored us," she added.

She also expressed her gratitude towards the TNI and Polri for their assistance in maintaining security throughout the Christmas masses. The Church also extended its appreciation to all parties involved in providing parking facilities.

"Our gratitude goes out to all parties who have supported our efforts to successfully complete the Christmas celebrations. A special thanks goes to the TNI and Polri, as well as all other relevant agencies for their hard work and dedication," she concluded.

The Christmas mass at the Jakarta Cathedral was attended by approximately 8,500 Catholics, as reported by Fawdi from Detik.com.

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Archbishop of Jakarta Adheres to 12% VAT Hike Policy, Yet Remains Critical

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Uskup Agung Jakarta Weighs In on PPN Hike Proposal

Jakarta – Ignatius Kardinal Suharyo, the Archbishop of Jakarta, has responded to the government’s plan to increase VALUE ADDED TAX (PPN) to 12 percent. In a press conference at the Cathedral Church of Jakarta, Cardinal Suharyo acknowledged that the decision has been made and the public must abide by it.

However, he emphasized the importance of critical thinking among the public towards government policies. "Regarding PPN, of course, those with expertise in the field won’t stop discussing it. Nevertheless, once the government has made a decision, we can only follow along, but critically," he said.

While accepting the PPN hike, Cardinal Suharyo urged the public to remain critical and consider the impacts and issues that may arise from such policies. "In other words, we should already be following the government, but critically consider the various problems that may emerge from this decision, which we can’t yet predict," he added.

Earlier, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that increasing PPN to 12 percent is crucial for maintaining economic stability, social protection, and supporting President Prabowo Subianto’s "B synchronous Cita" program. The move is expected to boost national income.

Meanwhile, the public backlash against the proposed PPN hike has intensified. An online petition named "Together, People!" titled "Government, Cancel the PPN Increase Immediately!" surfaced on November 19, 2024. Youth protests have also taken place in front of the Presidential Palace against the PPN hike.

In response, DPR Speaker Puan Maharani suggested that the government consider various inputs and evaluate the potential impact on public purchasing power and economic growth. Meanwhile, PP Muhammadiyah Chairman Haedar Nashir called on the government to reconsider the PPN hike, emphasizing the need for fair social policy.

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Merry Christmas for Christians: A Timely Season of Sharing Love

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

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.

Watch also: Prabowo Subianto and Puan Maharani’s Selfie Moment

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Church Offers Guidance to Nation to Avoid Gimmicks

by Chief Editor
written by Chief Editor

Headline:
Indonesia‘s 2024 Christmas Head: Synergy Between Church and State Crucial for a Just, Prosperous Nation

Subheadline:
Thomas Djiwandono stresses the importance of listening to religious leaders for moral guidance in governance.

Article:

In an insightful discourse at the 2024 National Christmas Seminar in Jakarta, Chairman of the National Christmas Committee 2024, Thomas Djiwandono, emphasized the significance of Indonesia heeding the voice of religious leaders, including those from the church, in navigating national affairs.

Djiwandono, also the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of Indonesia, highlighted the church’s role as an institution that has inherited a wealth of moral teachings, which can serve as a compass for the nation, guiding its direction and preventing it from veering off course.

He underscored the need for synergy between the church and the state to foster an Indonesia that is fair, prosperous, and upholds ethical values. Djiwandono called upon all stakeholders to join forces in tackling humanitarian and environmental crises, urging them to work together towards a common goal.

In his speech, Djiwandono also touched upon the Declaration of Independence (Istiqlal), which was signed by religious figures from various backgrounds, including Pope Francis and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) chairman, Nasaruddin Umar. The declaration, he noted, underscores Indonesia’s commitment to promoting religious harmony and tackling social conflicts, while also highlighting the importance of preserving the environment.

Djiwandono iterated that the declaration asserts the significance of interfaith cooperation in combating dehumanization and environmental degradation. "In the declaration, the environment is viewed as a divine gift that must be nurtured, not merely exploited," he concluded.

Originally reported by CNN Indonesia.

End of Article.

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