VP Gibran marks Christmas in Salatiga, Indonesia's most tolerant city

 Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka on Thursday morning celebrated Christmas 2025 with residents in Salatiga, Central Java, a city ranked as the most tolerant in the country.

According to his office, Gibran greeted residents during Christmas celebrations at Pancasila Square in the Sidomukti sub-district, accompanied by Central Java Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen and Salatiga Mayor Robby Hermawan.

"Congratulations to the mayor for Salatiga being recognized as the most tolerant city in Indonesia," Gibran said, adding that Central Java is home to three tolerant cities: Salatiga, Magelang and Semarang.

The 2024 Tolerant City Index by the SETARA Institute ranked Salatiga first with a score of 6.544, followed by Singkawang, Semarang, Magelang and Pematangsiantar.

Gibran said his visit reflected President Prabowo Subianto's instruction for government officials to uphold diversity and national unity amid religious differences.

After the Christmas service, Gibran personally greeted congregants, religious leaders and community members gathered at Pancasila Square, saying he was pleased to celebrate Christmas in the country's most tolerant city.

"President Prabowo extends his warm greetings to you all. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year," he said before more than 10,000 attendees.

The vice president urged Indonesians to strengthen brotherhood and unity among interfaith communities as part of a single nation.

“My message to religious leaders, including pastors and priests here, is to continue contributing to the preservation of tolerance,” he said.

He also invited the congregation to pray for citizens affected by floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.

Gibran concluded the event by presenting Christmas gifts to children attending the celebration.