Jakarta, IDN Times – The National Christmas Celebration 2024 in Indonesia took place at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) arena in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Saturday evening, December 28, 2023.

This significant event was attended by President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, along with several ministers from the Red and White Cabinet who were also present at the venue.

The attendees were united in wearing brown batik shirts featuring a parang motif, matching the attire of both Prabowo and Gibran.

This year’s National Christmas Celebration carried the theme “Let Us Go Now to Bethlehem,” inspired by the biblical verse from Luke 2:15.

Thomas Djiwandono, the Chairman of the National Christmas Committee (PNN) 2024, explained that this theme represents a collaboration between the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) and the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI).

In total, around 11,000 attendees gathered for the highlight of the National Christmas Celebration 2024 that night.

“Tonight, over 11,000 guests are here, including representatives from civil servants, the military, police, and Christian and Catholic communities in the Greater Jakarta area, along with members of religious organizations, community leaders, and children from orphanages and individuals with disabilities,” he stated during his speech on Saturday.

IDN Times observed several notable figures among the attendees, including Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar, and Minister of Human Development and Cultural Affairs Pratikno.

Other attendees included Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas, and Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan.

Additionally, Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf and Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Choiri Fauzi were present, along with Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani and National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon and Commander of the National Armed Forces General Agus Subiyanto were also in attendance, along with Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi, Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, and Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo.

Also present were Mgr. Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC, the Chairman of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), and Pdt. Jacklevyn Fritz Manuputty, the General Chairperson of the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI), along with representatives from several other friendly nations.

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