Jakarta Cathedral: Gathering Tunnel Makes It Easier For People To Mobilize During Christmas Mass

The head of the Jakarta Cathedral Church, Father Hani Rudi Hartoko, was met at the Jakarta Cathedral Church, Sunday (15/12/2024). (ANTARA/Mentari Dwi Gayati)

The head of the Jakarta Cathedral Church, Father Hani Rudi Hartoko, assessed that the Gathering Tunnel connecting the Istiqlal Mosque with the Cathedral Church would facilitate the mobilization of people who wanted to carry out the Christmas Mass.

According to Father Hani, the tunnel in addition to adding parking spaces for Christmas mass at the Cathedral as many as 700 car slots, also makes it easier for people who want to cross from Istiqlal to the Cathedral.

"It means a lot to support worship because it also reduces traffic density. Previously, it wanted to cross, it was a bit disturbing because the vehicle had to stop, now because it's down, it doesn't interfere with traffic," said Father Hani when met at the Jakarta Cathedral, Sunday.

Hani said that the Gathering Tunnel, which was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto on Thursday (12/12) seemed to be a gift for Christians ahead of the 2024 Christmas celebration.

The church has also appealed to the people to be able to take advantage of the Silaturahim Tunnel if their vehicle is parked in the Istiqlal Mosque standings.

Apart from Istiqlal, parking bags provided for Christmas Eve Mass services and Christmas Mass will be at the Post Office Building, Santa Ursula School, and Banteng Field.

The church also asked people who come to carry their own vehicles, but rather invite their families, relatives, and neighbors, given the limited parking slots.

The Christmas Eve mass on December 24, 2024 at the Jakarta Cathedral is scheduled for 17.00 and at 20.00 WIB.

Meanwhile, during the Christmas celebration, December 25, 2024, mass was held three times, namely 08.30 WIB, 11.00 WIB, and 17.00 WIB.

The theme of the 2024 Christmas celebration nationally is Back to Bethlehem which has a meaning as a reflection of the values of love, peace, justice, and simplicity. This theme is also an invitation to meet together with Jesus the Selamat.