We gathered last night with our children and grandchildren, so we certainly reflect for a year on what we have made. My wife and I also reflect. We are also human beings who are full of mistakesJakarta (ANTARA) - Christmas provides us with the moment to reflect on what has transpired in the past year, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has said.
On the sidelines of the 2019 Open House Christmas at his official residence, the Widya Chandra Complex, Jakarta Wednesday, he said the moment was also meant to gather with family.
"We gathered last night with our children and grandchildren, so we certainly reflect for a year on what we have made. My wife and I also reflect. We are also human beings who are full of mistakes," Pandjaitan said.
He also shared his experiences with his grandchildren, he said. He did that while advising them not to repeat their mistakes.
Christmas Day was a moment to also share feelings, including difficulty and happiness, Pandjaitan said.
"That is the essence of life. Life is about sharing our happiness so that we can be comfortable in our environment. I think that is the message of Christmas," he said.
He also mentioned that the message of Christmas around the world was not much different, namely to bring a message of peace and provide happiness. Likewise, was the message carried by other religions, of bringing a message of peace.
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Communication and Informatics Minister Johnny G. Plate earlier said he was optimistic about peaceful and harmonious Christmas celebrations for the entire nation.
Plate made the statement as a minister during his first open house event marked by various 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.
At the open house where he had guests and reporters, he expressed hope that Christmas would offer an opportunity to reflect upon ways to build harmony and kinship.
"Concurrently, we hope that the moment offered by this Christmas would be used for self-reflection and build harmony and kinship," he noted.
This year's Christmas is the first one for Plate as a minister, as he was sworn into office 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.
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Translator: Ade Irma, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
