"The COVID-19 pandemic that erodes various aspects of our lives is not weakening our national bond, and instead, it makes our national solidity stronger," Soesatyo noted, as per the statement received here, Wednesday.
The MPR RI speaker's statements were conveyed at the parliament's joint Christmas commemoration here, Tuesday (January 31) evening.
He also highlighted that the success in handling the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia also benefited the economic sector, particularly small businesses.
Some 84.8 percent of Indonesia's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as the most affected economic entities during the pandemic, returned to operation, he stated.
"Our success in maintaining national solidity and solidarity despite the arduous time of the pandemic is inseparable from our strong national commitment," Soesatyo emphasized.
The speaker highlighted the commitment to preserve the spirit of togetherness, tolerance, and empathy as the value that unites Indonesians.
Soesatyo also commended Indonesian Christians, who have made the Christmas momentum the "moment of humanity" to contribute and help all people in the spirit of humanity.
The spirit of humanity is the universal narrative of all religions, and the Christmas celebrations must be the momentum to reiterate the commitment to move forward together, he noted.
He affirmed that the duty to maintain human dignity and honor must be respected by all, regardless of primordial boundaries and religious differences.
"One of the companions of Muhammad SAW, Ali ibn Abi Talib, had said that every human is a brother, and a person is either a brother in faith or an equal in humanity," Soesatyo stated.
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Translator: Putu Indah S, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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