BOGOR - Lights illuminate the Bogor City Hall Plaza, Friday, January 23 evening. Praise songs softly played from a cross-church choir, while hundreds of Christians sat side by side with happy faces. In the heart of the city government, for the first time, the Christmas celebration was held open.
The night is not just a worship. It is a symbol of togetherness.
Children ran around the courtyard, families greeted each other, and congregations from various denominations merged without barriers. The warm atmosphere felt different because the location of the celebration was right in the City Hall courtyard - a space that is usually synonymous with bureaucratic affairs, now turned into a space of prayer and brotherhood.
In the midst of this atmosphere, Bogor Mayor Dedie A. Rachim stood in front of the residents with a warm smile. He called the moment a new historical record for the Rainy City.
"In the 544 years that Bogor has stood, only this time Christmas is celebrated at the City Hall. Tonight we are making history," he said.
For Dedie, the decision to open the City Hall for religious celebrations is not just about a place, but a strong message about the meaning of togetherness. He wants to ensure that the government building is a home for all citizens, whatever their beliefs.
"Tolerance must be the DNA of Bogor residents. This city was built for everyone, without discriminating against ethnicity and religion," he said.
The speech was greeted with long applause. Some of the congregation seemed to nod, some even immortalized the moment with their phones.
The chairman of the committee, Samson Purba, did not hide his happiness. He admitted that the support from the City Government gave a special spirit to Christians.
"This is the first time we've celebrated Christmas in the center of government. It feels like we're really accepted as part of this city," he said.
The choir that night was not just one church. They were all a cross-church combination in the city of Bogor - a small symbol of unity in diversity.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Bogor City Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) Hasbulloh called the City Hall Plaza a "common home". For him, public spaces should indeed be a place where all people celebrate their big day equally.
In the midst of a world often marked by identity conflicts and divisions, Dedie reminded that Bogor's strength lies in its harmony. He invited residents to maintain the spirit of mutual cooperation and mutual respect, especially when the city faces development challenges and budget constraints.
"Togetherness is our biggest capital. Bogor was built by everyone, for everyone," he said.
The night is getting late, but the singing hasn't stopped. Under the cool Bogor sky, the Plaza City Hall is no longer just a center of government. It has turned into a space of hope - a place where tolerance is celebrated, not just talked about.
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