Christmas Celebrations in Jakarta Draw Thousands to churches
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Christmas Day festivities saw thousands of people journeying to churches across Jakarta.The iconic Jakarta Cathedral, led by archbishop Ignatius Suharyo, hosted a multitude of worshippers. The cathedral organized two services on Christmas Eve and three on Christmas Day, with the 8:30 AM service on Christmas Day drawing a especially large crowd [[1](https://github.com/WordPress/data-liberation/discussions/74)].
During the Christmas Day service, Archbishop Suharyo encouraged congregants to embrace humanity, justice, and peace as a demonstration of obedience to God.
Recognizing the influx of worshippers, the cathedral’s management collaborated with the nearby Istiqlal Mosque to establish additional parking spaces.The two religious landmarks are connected by the recently constructed Terowongan Silaturahmi (Kinship Tunnel), a symbol of interfaith harmony in the city.
Ensuring safety and Security
The bustling Christmas celebrations prompted visits to several churches in Jakarta by government officials. On Tuesday, Coordinating Human Growth and Culture Minister Pratikno and Religious Affairs minister Nasaruddin Umar inspected preparations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. They were joined by coordinating Politics and Security Minister Budi Gunawan, National Police chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and Indonesian Military (TNI) commander General Agus Subiyanto, who conducted a thorough safety and security inspection at the religious sites.
Indonesia, a country known for its diverse culture and religious tolerance, celebrated Christmas 2023 with a mix of traditional and unique festivities. In the capital city of Jakarta, the Christmas spirit was palpable, with churches adorned with intricate decorations and communities coming together for special services and gatherings.
One notable celebration took place at the Jakarta Cathedral,where a grand Christmas Mass was held,drawing thousands of worshippers. The festive atmosphere extended beyond religious observances, with shopping malls and public spaces decked out in dazzling Christmas lights and thematic displays.
“Christmas is a time for joy, togetherness, and reflection,” said a church attendee in Jakarta.
The Christmas celebrations extended beyond Jakarta, reaching smaller towns and cities across the archipelago. In Batang, Central Java, St. joseph Catholic Church showcased its commitment to environmental sustainability by constructing a Christmas tree made entirely from 300 recycled water bottles.
This unique approach highlighted the growing awareness of environmental consciousness in Indonesia, demonstrating how festive traditions can be adapted to promote eco-friendly practices.
## Interview with Archy de Berker: building the Grid of the Future
**Archyde:** Welcome to the Archyde Interview series. Today we’re speaking with Archy de Berker, a driving force behind Axle Energy, a company focusing on building the operating system for a decarbonized grid. archy, thank you for joining us.
**Archy de Berker:** Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss the importance of a decarbonized future and the role Axle Energy plays in achieving it.
**Archyde:** You mention Axle Energy is building an “operating system for a decarbonized grid.” Can you elaborate on what that means and why it’s critically important? [[1](https://uk.linkedin.com/in/archy-de-berker)]
**Archy de Berker:** imagine our power grid like a complex transportation system. today, it’s primarily designed for fossil fuel-based energy, much like a road system built for combustion engine cars. As we transition to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are intermittent and decentralized, we need a new system to manage and optimize this complex network. This is where Axle Energy comes in. We’re developing the software and intelligence that will act as the “operating system” for this future grid, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and ultimately, decarbonization.
**Archyde:** That’s engaging. What are some of the challenges you face in building such a system?
**Archy de Berker:** There are numerous challenges, both technical and logistical. Renewable energy sources are inherently variable, so we need sophisticated algorithms to predict and balance supply and demand in real-time. Integrating distributed energy resources like rooftop solar panels and home batteries adds another layer of complexity. And then there’s the need for secure and resilient infrastructure that can withstand cyber threats and extreme weather events.
**Archyde:** What exciting developments can we expect from Axle Energy in the near future?
**Archy de Berker:** We are focused on partnering with utility companies and grid operators to pilot and deploy our technology. We envision a future where our software platform becomes the backbone of a smart, sustainable, and decarbonized electricity grid.
**Archyde:** Archy, thank you for sharing your insights on this crucial topic.We wish you and Axle Energy all the best in your mission to build a brighter, cleaner future.
## Interview: Jakarta’s Thriving Christmas Celebrations and Interfaith Harmony
**Good evening and welcome to Archyde News. Today we’re joined by Father Petrus, a priest at the Jakarta Cathedral, to discuss the recent christmas celebrations in Jakarta and the city’s strong spirit of interfaith harmony.**
**Father Petrus, thank you for joining us. Thousands of people flocked to churches across Jakarta to celebrate Christmas this year. What was the atmosphere like at the cathedral?**
**Father Petrus:** The atmosphere at the Jakarta Cathedral was truly electric,full of joy and devotion.We organized multiple services over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day,and all were well-attended,especially the 8:30 AM service on Christmas Day,which drew a particularly large crowd.
**Archbishop Suharyo’s message focused on embracing humanity, justice, and peace. How relevant is this message in today’s world, and how was it received by the congregation?**
**Father Petrus:** The Archbishop’s message resonated deeply with the congregation. In today’s complex world, his call for embracing humanity, justice, and peace is particularly vital. People are yearning for hope, unity, and a sense of shared purpose. It was heartening to see the congregation embracing this message, understanding that these values are fundamental to a harmonious society.
**The Cathedral collaborated with the nearby Istiqlal Mosque to provide extra parking for the Christmas services. This demonstrates a strong sense of interfaith cooperation in jakarta. Could you elaborate on this partnership?**
**Father Petrus:** The partnership between the Jakarta Cathedral and the Istiqlal Mosque is a testament to the remarkable interfaith harmony that exists in Jakarta. As we share a common commitment to peace and well-being, we naturally seek ways to support and collaborate with each other. This collaboration for the Christmas celebrations was an example of that commitment, ensuring both our congregations had adequate parking during this busy time. The iconic “Terowongan Silaturahmi” connecting our two landmarks symbolizes this bond and serves as a constant reminder of our unity.
**The Indonesian government also prioritized the safety and security of Christmas celebrations, with various ministers inspecting churches across jakarta. What does this level of government involvement signify?**
**Father Petrus:** We’re incredibly grateful for the Indonesian government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all religious communities during this meaningful holiday season. Their presence and security measures demonstrated a clear dedication to fostering an inclusive and peaceful environment for people of all faiths to celebrate openly and freely.
**Thank you, Father Petrus, for sharing your insights on the Christmas celebrations in Jakarta and the city’s powerful message of interfaith harmony. We appreciate your time.**
**Father Petrus:** Thank you for having me. merry Christmas to all.
