President Prabowo Attends National Christmas Celebration in Jakarta, Affirming Importance of Togetherness

President Prabowo Subianto attends the 2025 national Christmas celebration at Tennis Indoor Senayan, Central Jakarta, Monday (01/05). (Photo by: BPMI)

President Prabowo Subianto Monday (01/05) underscored that the 2025 national Christmas celebration stands as tangible proof of Indonesia’s strong unity, harmony, and social cohesion amid its diversity.

“This celebration is an honor for me. It proves that Indonesia is a harmonious nation. We respect one another,” President Prabowo said at the 2025 National Christmas Celebration held at Tennis Indoor Senayan in Central Jakarta.

On the occasion, President Prabowo expressed pride in the values of tolerance that have been deeply rooted throughout national’s history since the era of the nation’s founding fathers.

“I am very proud of the example set by our leaders. Mr. Soekarno, as president, built the largest mosque in Indonesia, the Istiqlal Mosque, appointing a Christian architect as its main founder. Where else in the world can we find this kind of example?” the President said.

In addition, the Head of State shared his personal experience which reflects this nation’s interfaith brotherhood by recounting the construction of a mosque in his residence Hambalang that involved Catholic architects and workers, as well as his experience overseeing a music group whose members came from different religious backgrounds. He also shared his experience serving in the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), leading soldiers of various religious backgrounds, and emphasized that service to the nation and the state transcends differences in beliefs.

“At the time I served in TNI, I had subordinates coming from Hindu, Catholic, and Protestant backgrounds. I still remember that some of them were killed on duty. When I ordered them to move forward, they did as ordered without any questioning,” said the President.

According to the President, these stories reflect the true meaning of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), which serves as Indonesia’s main strength. President Prabowo also called on all elements of the nation to continue safeguarding unity, strengthening cooperation, and expressing love, respect, protection, and forgiveness toward one another.

The President also took the opportunity to convey his apology to all Indonesian people. “I, Prabowo Subianto, on behalf of myself and as the President of the Republic of Indonesia, sincerely apologize if there are words of mine that were wrong or hurt anyone’s feelings,” the President said.

President Prabowo also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to continue working hard to eradicate poverty, alleviate the suffering of the people, especially in disaster-affected areas, and improve the welfare of the people.

“Please believe in that. That is our intention, and we are very optimistic and confident that we are on the right path, a path of truth and justice, and only for the good of all the people of Indonesia,” the President remarked. (BPMI Presidential Secretariat) (GWH/TM)