In a heartwarming display of empathy and solidarity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia hosted its 2024 Christmas Worship and Celebration on January 6th, 2025. The event, themed “Let Us Go to Bethlehem”, mirrored the national Christmas theme while inviting attendees to reflect on the simplicity and profound peace that the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem brought to the world. The Ministry adopted the subtheme, “Let Us Cultivate Empathy and Solidarity for National Unity,” which underscored the importance of nurturing care and compassion as cornerstones of national cohesion.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, spoke on the significance of the theme and its relevance to both the season and Indonesia’s broader goals. “Just like the journey to Bethlehem, this journey is often filled with challenges. Through this theme, I invite all of us to renew the spirit of service, to step out of our comfort zones, and to embrace new challenges with the confidence that our work benefits not only the nation but also the world,” Minister Sugiono remarked, highlighting the vital role of empathy in international diplomacy and national unity.
The Christmas celebration began with a solemn service led by Father Agustimus Heri Wibowo of the Conference of Catholic Bishops, followed by an inspiring sermon delivered by Pastor Binsar Pakpahan from the School of Philosophy and Theology. The service, which was both in-person and streamed online, gathered the Ministry’s Christian community, including diplomatic staff from Indonesian missions around the world.
In his Christmas message, Minister Sugiono extended warm greetings to all Christian members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing the values of peace, hope, and togetherness that the season symbolizes. As a tangible demonstration of care, Minister Sugiono personally distributed Christmas tokens of appreciation to the Ministry’s cleaning staff, security officers, and honorary personnel.
In keeping with the spirit of giving, the Ministry also made charitable donations to the Vincentius Putra Orphanage and the Agape Orphanage, ensuring that the joy of Christmas reached those in need. This act of compassion was in line with the Ministry’s broader commitment to social responsibility. Earlier in the year, donations were sent to communities affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Lakilaki through the Caritas Foundation, reaffirming the Ministry’s dedication to supporting vulnerable communities in times of crisis.
The festive spirit was further enlivened by musical performances from the Vincentius Putra Orphanage Vocal Group, a lively Christmas dance by children from the Agape Orphanage, and a spirited performance by the Diplomats Band. These performances not only entertained but also served as a reminder of the power of music and art to unite and uplift communities, regardless of their backgrounds.
Minister Sugiono concluded the celebration by reiterating his wishes for peace and unity: “Merry Christmas to all Christians. May the love, peace, and joy of Christmas always be with us, guiding us to work together for a better future.”
The Christmas celebration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not just a religious observance but a poignant reminder of the shared human values of empathy, solidarity, and community — values that are at the heart of both national and international cooperation.
As Indonesia continues to navigate its role on the global stage, the Ministry’s Christmas celebration serves as a testament to its commitment to both the principles of diplomacy and the deeper moral imperatives of service, unity, and compassion.