To KSP Moeldoko, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Makes Sure The Church Follows Government Policy Regarding Christmas-New Year

JAKARTA - Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Moeldoko met the Bishop of the Archdiocese of Jakarta (KAJ) Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo at the Jakarta Cathedral, Monday, December 6. Moeldoko wanted to convey the government's policy regarding Christmas and New Year, as well as asking for input from religious leaders at KAJ.

"The government is always open to input and views from religious leaders in formulating policies that affect many parties," Moeldoko said in a press release in Jakarta quoted by Antara.

Moeldoko emphasized that the government's policies regarding Christmas and New Year, especially regarding the implementation of Christmas worship and celebrations for Christians, had gone through various considerations, namely by looking at the current condition of COVID-19 cases and the threat of a new variant of Omicron.

"We hope that the policies issued by the government will be in accordance with the expectations of all parties, especially for Christians," he said.

Moeldoko also expressed his appreciation to the religious leaders in the Jakarta Archdiocese, who have been playing an active role in handling COVID-19.

"On behalf of the government, I thank you, religious leaders here have been actively involved in handling COVID-19," he continued.

Bishop of KAJ Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo said that the Catholic church, especially in KAJ, would wait for a policy decision from the government. He believes the policies set by the government have gone through various considerations and inputs from various parties.

"We members of the Catholic Church will definitely adjust to the government's decision," said Ignatius Suharyo.

Meanwhile, regarding preparations for the implementation of Christmas worship, Father Head of the Jakarta Cathedral Church, Romo A Hani Rudi Hartoko, conveyed that his party would tighten the implementation of health protocols, starting from checking body temperature, providing hand washing facilities, to implementing distance for congregations inside the church.

“Our congregation quota is limited to only 40 percent. So people who attend the Christmas mass will have to register on a website that has been integrated with the care to protect application," explained Rudi Hartoko.