Visit Jakarta Cathedral, Mahfud MD: Christmas 2023 And New Year 2024 Run Smoothly

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD (right) and the Archbishop of Jakarta Mgr. Ignatius Suharyo at Wisma Diocese Cathedral, Jakarta, Thursday (4/1/2024). (ANTARA/Rio Feisal)

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD revealed that the 2023 Christmas and 2024 New Year celebrations in Indonesia went smoothly.

"Now we are here (The Diocese of the Cathedral) again, confirming what I said again at that time, that God willing, Christmas and New Year's celebrations will run well, safely, and smoothly; and indeed this is what happened," said Mahfud at the Jakarta Cathedral Diocese, Thursday 4 January.

Mahfud visited the Jakarta Cathedral Parish today to meet and discuss with the Archbishop of Jakarta Mgr. Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo after the 2023 Christmas and 2024 New Year celebrations.

"I visited him. Everything went according to our prayers. Christmas and New Year in Indonesia went safely, smoothly, peacefully until now. That's all, nothing else," said Mahfud.

Mahfud said his visit was an ordinary agenda, because his arrival at the 2023 Christmas Eve Mass at the Cathedral Church, Jakarta, Sunday, December 24, was still not optimal.

"Yes, regular friendship. Why? Because you know, when I was here, Christmas Eve at that time, I was not feeling well; so I rushed home, and canceled the event. So at that time I felt how come my visit had not been felt complete, because at that time I went home quickly, he said short. I continued to get sick a day, "explained Mahfud.

Meanwhile, Suharyo said his meeting with Mahfud was in a relaxed atmosphere, one of which was discussing the food that Mahfud enjoyed before going to Jakarta Cathedral.

"One of the things that was told earlier, Mr. (Mahfud) just ate at the Padang restaurant, then came here. Yes, that's how it is, between conversations between old friends," said Suharyo.

On that occasion, Suharyo also confirmed Mahfud's statement that he felt unwell last Christmas night.

"As told by Mr (Mahfud) earlier, at Christmas he felt bad, so he immediately went home and didn't have time to talk. In fact, we used to talk together with you (Mahfud) about various things," said Suharyo.