Interfaith Christmas Celebration: Celebrating Unity In Diversity
Christmas always reminds us that peace is God's gift to all mankind. Amidst differences in religion, ethnicity, culture, and class, humans still yearn for tranquility and peace. This spirit was embodied in the Interfaith Christmas Celebration Service on Saturday, January 31, 2026, organized by the Pondok Kasih Foundation (YPK) with the full support of GKPB “Masa Depan Cerah” (MDC) and the Taman Bhinneka Nusantara Creativity Center (NCC). The solemn event, held at the MDC Church Building in Putat Gede, Surabaya, was attended by Mrs. Maria Theresia Ekawati Rahayu (Mrs. Yayuk) as the Mayor's Expert Staff for Politics and Government, city and provincial government officials (including representatives of 7 religions/beliefs and representatives of the National Unity and Politics Agency/Bakesbangpol), interfaith leaders, representatives from universities and community organizations, as well as around 900 adults and 100 children from the underprivileged communities supported by YPK, who were the main guests at the event.
The Christmas message was delivered by Rev. Arthur Siagian (a Pastor at GKPB MDC), followed by the lighting of the Christmas Candle together as a symbol of the light of love, peace, and national unity. The spirit of togetherness was further heightened when the Indonesian Community Celebrating Diversity (IMP) sang the song “Indonesia Celebrates Diversity,” accompanied by a joint prayer by interfaith leaders for the welfare of the nation.
In her speech, Mrs. Indah Wati, Chairwoman of YPK, emphasized, “Indonesia is one big family. When Christians celebrate Christmas, we invite our brothers and sisters of other faiths to share in this joy,” she said. Rev. Andreas Rahardjo, Pastor of MDC, reminded everyone of the Javanese proverb,
“nek mripate padang, atine jembar” (if your eyes are bright, your heart will be broad), saying that everyone should learn tolerance and togetherness, which we are practicing today.
Mr. Syuhada Endrayono, Chairman of the Forum Beda tapi Mesra (FBM), emphasized, “Our togetherness today is the true Indonesia. Pancasila, which begins with ‘Belief in One God,’ unites us all to maintain the integrity of the nation.” Meanwhile, Mama Hana, Founder and Chairwoman of the YPK Advisory Board, emphasized that “the Interfaith Christmas Celebration is not the first of its kind, as it has been held annually at Gelora Pancasila. This year, it is being held again to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among people with the aim that God's love should be felt and enjoyed by everyone,” explained Mama Hana with hope.
Representing the government, Mrs. Yayuk said that “the Interfaith Christmas celebration received a warm welcome from the government. Surabaya is our shared home, and through Christmas, we hope that peace and prosperity will always be present in our hearts, families, and communities. Christmas is not just a celebration, but a moment to reaffirm love, sacrifice, and hope for all.”The celebration concluded with a familial atmosphere, where all participants received food packages as a tangible expression that love does not stop at words, but is manifested in caring actions toward others. May the peace of Christmas be with us all. Amen! (MH)
The Christmas message was delivered by Rev. Arthur Siagian (a Pastor at GKPB MDC), followed by the lighting of the Christmas Candle together as a symbol of the light of love, peace, and national unity. The spirit of togetherness was further heightened when the Indonesian Community Celebrating Diversity (IMP) sang the song “Indonesia Celebrates Diversity,” accompanied by a joint prayer by interfaith leaders for the welfare of the nation.
In her speech, Mrs. Indah Wati, Chairwoman of YPK, emphasized, “Indonesia is one big family. When Christians celebrate Christmas, we invite our brothers and sisters of other faiths to share in this joy,” she said. Rev. Andreas Rahardjo, Pastor of MDC, reminded everyone of the Javanese proverb, “nek mripate padang, atine jembar” (if your eyes are bright, your heart will be broad), saying that everyone should learn tolerance and togetherness, which we are practicing today.
Mr. Syuhada Endrayono, Chairman of the Forum Beda tapi Mesra (FBM), emphasized, “Our togetherness today is the true Indonesia. Pancasila, which begins with ‘Belief in One God,’ unites us all to maintain the integrity of the nation.” Meanwhile, Mama Hana, Founder and Chairwoman of the YPK Advisory Board, emphasized that “the Interfaith Christmas Celebration is not the first of its kind, as it has been held annually at Gelora Pancasila. This year, it is being held again to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among people with the aim that God's love should be felt and enjoyed by everyone,” explained Mama Hana with hope.
Representing the government, Mrs. Yayuk said that “the Interfaith Christmas celebration received a warm welcome from the government. Surabaya is our shared home, and through Christmas, we hope that peace and prosperity will always be present in our hearts, families, and communities. Christmas is not just a celebration, but a moment to reaffirm love, sacrifice, and hope for all.”The celebration concluded with a familial atmosphere, where all participants received food packages as a tangible expression that love does not stop at words, but is manifested in caring actions toward others. May the peace of Christmas be with us all. Amen! (MH)
