President Prabowo Subianto called for national unity and harmony as he addressed the peak of Indonesia’s 2025 National Christmas Celebration in Jakarta on Monday.
Speaking at Tennis Indoor Senayan, Prabowo delivered Christmas greetings to Christians across the country and said values associated with the celebration, including love, sacrifice, and concern for others, align with Indonesia’s national principles.
This year’s National Christmas Celebration carried the theme, “God Is Present, Saving the Family,” drawn from the 2025 Joint Christmas Message of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) and the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI).
The event was attended by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming, ministers of the Red and White Cabinet, interfaith leaders, and about 3,500 Christian faithful. Church leaders present included KWI secretary general Bishop Adrianus Sunarko, OFM, and PGI chairman the Rev. Jacklevyn F. Manuputty.
“I extend my deepest gratitude for the great honor given to me to be here and to personally convey Christmas greetings to my brothers and sisters, Christian citizens across the nation and throughout the homeland, wherever you may be. May the peace of Christmas bring goodness, blessings, love, hope, and strength to us all,” Prabowo said.
He also referred to values of love, forgiveness, and mutual respect taught across religions, which he said are consistent with Indonesia’s national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).
Minister of Religious Affairs Nazaruddin Umar said the National Christmas Celebration serves both as a religious observance and a moment to strengthen interfaith fraternity, in line with the government’s promotion of religious moderation.
“The presence of the President is a tangible sign of the state’s attention and commitment to religious diversity in Indonesia, working together with religious communities to nurture harmony and to place spiritual and humanitarian values as the main foundation of national and state life,” Nazaruddin said.
Rice self-sufficiency claims
In his address, Prabowo said Indonesia had achieved rice self-sufficiency as of Dec. 31, 2025, describing it as a national strategic target initially set to be achieved within four years.
“At this Christmas Celebration, I can announce that as of December 31, 2025, Indonesia has now achieved rice self-sufficiency,” the head of state said. “I set a target for my team that we must achieve rice self-sufficiency in four years. That was my target, four years,” he said.
Prabowo said Indonesia’s decision not to import rice had contributed to a decline in global rice prices.
“We are helping not only the Indonesian nation; we are helping the world. Why? Because by not importing rice, global rice prices have gone down by hundreds of dollars overall. So many countries are grateful to us,” he said.
The president also said the National Christmas Celebration reflected unity amid Indonesia’s diversity.
“This celebration is an honor for me. This celebration proves that Indonesia is a harmonious nation, a nation that lives in harmony. We respect one another,” Prabowo said.
He cited Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, referring to the construction of the Istiqlal Mosque and the appointment of a Christian architect as an example of unity.
“I am very proud of the example set by our leaders. Bung Karno, as President, built the largest mosque of the Republic of Indonesia, the Istiqlal Mosque. The architect he appointed was a Christian. Where else can you find something like this?” he said.
Prabowo urged Indonesians to continue safeguarding unity and cooperation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to poverty reduction, disaster response, and improving public welfare.
“We are working hard to reduce the suffering and hardships of our people, especially now in disaster-stricken areas. We are working hard to improve the welfare of our people. Believe this. This is our intention, and we are very optimistic. We firmly believe that we are on the right path, a path grounded in truth and justice, and truly for the good of all the people of Indonesia,” he said.
