Vice President Gibran attends Christmas celebration in Salatiga, the most tolerant city

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka (Photo: between)

JAKARTA - Vice President (Wapres) Gibran Rakabuming visited the community in the most tolerant city in Indonesia, namely Salatiga City, Central Java, in order to attend the 2025 Christmas celebration, Thursday morning, December 25.

The Vice President's Secretariat (Setwapres) in Jakarta, informed that the location visited by Vice President Gibran was located at Pancasila Square (Salatiga Square), Sidomukti District, Salatiga City.

"Congratulations to the Mayor, because Salatiga is the most tolerant city in Indonesia. Congratulations also to the Deputy Governor, because in Central Java there are tolerant cities, yes there are Salatiga, Magelang, and Semarang, so it's very great, the citizens are tolerant of all," said the Vice President quoted by Antara.

In the celebration held by the local Salatiga Church Cooperation Agency (BKGS), the Vice President said that this visit was in line with President Prabowo Subianto's instructions for all levels of government to continue to strengthen the spirit of tolerance, respect for diversity, and maintain national unity in the midst of differences in beliefs.

The Vice President, accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Central Java Taj Yasin Maimoen, was greeted by the Mayor of Salatiga Robby Hernawan and the Chairman of BKGS Purwanto to the location of the event.

After the worship activity took place, the Vice President greeted the congregation, religious leaders, and the community who crowded the Pancasila Square area.

The Vice President expressed his gratitude for being able to attend and celebrate Christmas together in Salatiga City, which is known as a city with a high level of tolerance.

"Warm greetings from President Prabowo. Merry Christmas and New Year. May this Christmas bring blessings to you and your family," said the Vice President.

In front of approximately 10,000 attendees, the Vice President emphasized the importance of strengthening the spirit of brotherhood and togetherness among believers in the life of the nation and the state.

"I'm leaving it for everyone. Religious leaders and pastors and priests here, tolerance is still being maintained," said the Vice President.

As a form of concern, the Vice President invited Christians to pray for their brothers in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra who were affected by the disaster, while emphasizing the importance of cross-regional solidarity and faith as a common human value.

"May God Almighty always give strength, fortitude, and a path to recovery for all affected communities, and strengthen the spirit of mutual help among us," he said.

The statement said that the presence of Vice President Gibran was also a tangible manifestation of the government's commitment to supporting interreligious harmony in various regions.

In a joyful atmosphere, the Vice President together with the Salatiga City Forkopimda released balloons into the air as a symbol of peace and unity among people.

After that, the Vice President distributed Christmas gifts to the children who were present while greeting them warmly.