"The essence of Christmas is to become a new person who is more disciplined and hardworking. It is time for the nation to move away from falsity, semi-hypocrisy, and selfishness," the president emphasized.Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) attended a Christmas celebration held at the residence of the East Nusa Tenggara governor here on Monday.
In his message, the president urged the audience to bring about positive changes within themselves in keeping with the spirit of Christmas.
"The essence of Christmas is to become a new person who is more disciplined and hardworking. It is time for the nation to move away from falsity, semi-hypocrisy, and selfishness," the president emphasized.
Christmas must lead to a fundamental change with regard to peaceful coexistence, the head of state affirmed.
To this end, the nation needs Indonesian people who are independent, dedicated to the implementation of religious values, polite, tolerant, decent, and helpful.
Christmas is also expected to usher in the spirit of modesty, sharing, and narrowing the gap between the rich and poor.
He hoped the spirit of Christmas would change the peoples outlook and would not be merely ceremonial.
"Christmas without renewal and change of behavior is only theatrical," Jokowi quoted a statement made by Pope Fransiskus.
"We work, we produce. Indonesia has to become more prosperous for the welfare of the people. Indonesia must be peaceful, and its citizens should be able to lead a happy life," Jokowi added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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