December 25, 2025 | 07:15 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming mentioned Salatiga as the most tolerant city in Indonesia when attending the Christmas celebration with Christian believers in Salatiga, Central Java, on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
The Cooperation Body of Churches in Salatiga (BKGS) organized the Christmas celebration in the town square of Salatiga.
Gibran was accompanied by Taj Yasin Maimoen, the deputy governor of Central Java. He was welcomed by Salatiga Mayor Robby Hernawan and BKGS Chair Purwanto at the event location. After the worship activities, Gibran greeted the congregation, religious figures, and the public who filled the area of Pancasila Square.
In his speech, Gibran expressed his gratitude for being able to celebrate Christmas together in Salatiga, a city known for its high level of tolerance. He conveyed Christmas and New Year greetings from President Prabowo Subianto.
Gibran then appreciated the role of the Salatiga City Government and all layers of society in maintaining harmony among religious believers.
"Congratulations to Salatiga Mayor for being the most tolerant city in Indonesia. Congratulations also to the deputy governor, as in Central Java, there are tolerant cities, such as Salatiga, Magelang, and Semarang, so it's truly amazing, all the residents are tolerant," said Gibran, quoted from the Vice President's Secretariat, December 25, 2025.
In front of 10,000 attending believers, Gibran emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of brotherhood and unity among believers within the context of national life.
"I entrust this to everyone. Religious leaders, pastors, and priests who are here, please continue to maintain tolerance," said Gibran.
On this occasion, Gibran invited Christian believers to pray for the brothers and sisters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra who were affected by the disaster. He stressed the importance of solidarity across regions and belief as a shared humanitarian value.
"May the Almighty God always give strength, perseverance, and a path to recovery for all affected communities, and uphold the spirit of mutual assistance among us," he said.
Gibran, together with the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) of Salatiga, released balloons into the air as a symbol of peace and unity among believers. After that, Gibran distributed Christmas gifts to the children present while greeting them.
Read: Prabowo Extends Christmas Greetings; Calls for Unity in Wake of Sumatra Disaster
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