Ahead of Christmas, Bandung City Government Holds Gathering with Christians
The city of Bandung is a heterogeneous city, there are various ethnicities, races and religions with a population of 2.5 million people. Even though it is heterogeneous, the city of Bandung is known as a highly tolerant city so it is relatively conducive.
"This is a role model, I am sure that the city of Bandung will be used as an example for other big cities nationally," said Bambang Tirtoyuliono at the gathering event with Christians ahead of Christmas at the Bandung City Hall, Wednesday 20 December 2023 evening.
As reinforcement, Bambang said that in the city of Bandung there is a Village of Tolerance. Each region has different religions and so on. However, they are able to live their lives in harmony and respect each other.
"We have five tolerance villages, this is one form of manifestation. Harmony between religious communities reaches the regional level," he said.
Please note, Tolerance Villages in Bandung City include Gang Luna Tolerance Village, Bojongloa Kaler District. Paledang Tolerance Village, Lengkong District. Dian Permai Tolerance Village, Babakan Ciparay District. Balonggede Tolerance Village, Regol District. Kebon Jeruk Tolerance Village, Andir District.
"That pluralism is a force capable of unifying, one of which is religious harmony," he said.
Meanwhile, the Bandung City Catholic Religious Council, Father Agustinus Sugiharto, expressed his gratitude to the Bandung City Government for providing space for friendship ahead of the day of peace.
"This year's Christmas theme is Glory to God and Peace on Earth. Hopefully this year's Christmas will bring peace and happiness to its people," said Agustinus.
He revealed that the number of Catholic congregations in Bandung City reached 56 thousand. Due to this, the congregation supports various Bandung City Government programs.
"We support various programs that have been designed by the Bandung City Government. We together want to create a Bandung that is safe, comfortable, conducive and harmonious and tolerant," he said.
In the same place, the Bandung City Christian Religious Council, Pastor Yosafat Simatupang, revealed that December is a month of happiness for Christians.
"Christmas celebrations do not only celebrate joy, but sacrifice, there is struggle," he said.
He also appreciated the performance of the Bandung City Government which has achieved achievements so far.
"I follow Public Relations Bandung's Instagram, there is information regarding increasing UHC, appreciation for youth, I even like Bandung's Best Street Foods and Best Snacks. I think this government has achieved a lot more," he said.
Regarding waste, the congregation also takes part in handling waste. He admitted that currently he is intensively managing waste with waste banks.
"We are intensively working with the waste bank. The church is present not only for worship, but currently sorting waste. However, what we do is a blessing for many people," he said.
Meanwhile, the Chair of the Bandung City Religious Harmony Forum, Ahmad Suherman, emphasized that places of worship should not be used as a means for campaigns.
"I convey again to religious leaders, please never use places of worship as campaign arenas. We hope that places of worship will bring a cool and cool atmosphere and can embrace us all," stressed Suherman.
According to him, however, the people of Bandung City are harmonious and peaceful. This matter, continued Suherman, needs to be cared for by the community and all related elements.
"Not only the government, the community is asked to take part in matters of harmony in the city of Bandung," he said. (yan)**
Head of the Bandung City Communication and Information Office
Yayan A. Brilyana
