Plate made the statement as minister during his first open house event marked by varying Christmas nuances, featuring arts from Flores, East Nusa Tenggara.
"It is time for us to share our feelings and excitement with others. Strengthen life in harmony as a nation," he stated at his private residence in Jakarta, Wednesday.
He organized an open house to receive invited guests and media reporters on Christmas Day. He expressed hope that Christmas would offer an opportunity to reflect upon ways to build harmony and kinship.
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"Concurrently, we hope that the momentum offered by this Christmas would be used for self-reflection and to build harmony and kinship," he noted.
This year's Christmas is the first one for Plate as a minister, as he was sworn in to office in last October. Instead of featuring the typical Christmas songs, Plate chose to introduce arts from Manggarai, Flores, since the area is where he was originally from and to also introduce local creations to his guests.
Moreover, Labuan Bajo, located in Flores, has become one of the tourism destinations prioritized by the government.
"Raising local values and local prowess is part of the efforts to boost the people’s participation in the tourism industry that is currently being developed," he stated.
The minister held a Christmas open house on Wednesday from afternoon until 4 p.m. local time. Related news: Police officers assist elderly, disabled at St Joseph Church
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Translator: Natisha Andarningtyas/Aria Cin
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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