Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia During the Inauguration of Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of Kupang, in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara Province, December 6, 2023

Good afternoon to all of us.

Your Eminence, the Archbishop of Kupang Mgr. Petrus Turang, the Cathedral Parish Priest Father Ambros Ladjar and the Priests of the Archdiocese of Kupang;
Honorable Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, Governor of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Mayor of Kupang and religious and community leaders;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Since its establishment, the Cathedral Church has never been rehabilitated. And, due to the Cyclone Seroja that hit Kupang, using the State Budget, the Cathedral Church was built [and] rehabilitated. Just now when I stepped inside, I was truly amazed, the interior is very, very well done, very beautiful.

The renovation of the Cathedral Church was carried out thoroughly by building a new church wider than the previous building and was complemented by the construction of a parish secretariat, bell tower, panel room, and generator set. And, today, we can truly see together the new face of the Christ the King Catholic Cathedral in Kupang, which is magnificent, beautiful, and well-landscaped. A historic church that is part of the existence of the Catholic Church in Kupang city.

I’d like to suggest that this house of worship, which has a capacity of 1,500 congregations, be used not only as a place of worship, but also for other social activities, providing spaces to engage in dialogue, strengthen brotherhood, and promote harmony to reinforce national unity and integrity.

This concludes my remarks. And, by seeking the blessings and grace of the Almighty God, this afternoon, I inaugurate the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara province.

Thank you.
May God bless you. (FI/MMB)