JAKARTA (RVA News): The president of Indonesia, Jokowi “Joko” Widodo, visited with the the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Bogor, West Java, on December 25.
In his speech, the president urged people to improve their relationships with each other and protect the environment so that Indonesia can get back on its feet.
“Let’s continue to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and our environment for the rise of the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia,” Widodo said.
“Merry Christmas and a happy new year 2023,” he said, adding, “May God bless us all.”
Father Yohanes Suparto, vicar general of the Diocese of Bogor, said that Widodo was the first president to attend the Christmas service at the cathedral. He was pleased that the president personally attended Christmas at the Cathedral Church.
“We were very, very surprised at how happy everyone really felt when Jokowi entered the church—after all, Jokowi turned out to be a person who always wanted to be close to anyone,” Father Suparto said.
“Jokowi’s message was also powerful for us, so we must keep being united and tolerant for the sake of the rise of the Indonesian country we love,” he added.
Rita Marcia, a member of the choir, said that Widodo’s visit was amazing. “As for us, and for myself specifically, I am really moved. This is the most wonderful Christmas gift for the people of the Bogor Cathedral; it is a beautiful present for us,” she said.
“A president who visits with humility, with all of the rites he must observe in the church. He waited to enter. It’s most humbling, most appreciative, and most extraordinary for us,” she stated.
She continued, “That demonstrates, in my opinion, that he has a deep understanding of other people’s beliefs. ”
