“Regarding Christmas preparations at Jakarta Cathedral, we are providing this entire complex with its various available rooms. The total seating capacity available is 5,000,” said Father Hani Rudi Hartoko, Head Pastor of Jakarta Cathedral Church, on Tuesday.
Father Hartoko said the main church building itself can accommodate around 800 seats, prompting the management to maintain a registration system to regulate the number of attendees.
According to him, the registration system has been applied for several years to prevent overcrowding, considering the high public enthusiasm while the capacity of the main worship hall is limited.
“So this is to avoid overcrowding because people are very enthusiastic about attending church, but capacity is limited. Therefore, we manage it through registration,” he said.
He explained that the Christmas Eve Mass on Wednesday, December 24, will be held twice, at 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. local time.
Meanwhile, Christmas Day Mass on Thursday, December 25, will be conducted four times. The Pontifical Mass led by Jakarta Archbishop Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. and will be broadcast live on TVRI.
The next Mass at 11:00 a.m. is designated for children, while the 4:00 p.m. Mass is prioritized for elderly worshippers, and the 6:00 p.m. Mass is open to the public.
The Christmas celebration series will continue with the Year-End Mass on Tuesday, December 31, at 6 p.m., followed by New Year Masses on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.
In addition to liturgical preparations, Jakarta Cathedral is also preparing for possible visits by state officials, including the Jakarta governor and interfaith forums.
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Translator: Asep, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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