KBRN, Jakarta: Jakarta Cathedral held a solemn Christmas Eve Mass on Wednesday (12/24/2025). This year’s celebration was attended by more than 5,000 Catholic worshippers from various regions across Indonesia, including those traveling from outside Jakarta.

The Christmas Eve Mass was conducted in two sessions: the first at 5:00 p.m. and the second at 8:30 p.m. Both sessions were held in a hybrid format, with in-person services at Jakarta Cathedral and online streaming via the Cathedral’s YouTube channel, Komsos Katedral Jakarta, to accommodate worshippers unable to attend physically.

The first session was led by Father Albertus Hani Rudi Hartoko, SJ, and Father Macarius Maharsono Probho, SJ. The second session was presided over by Father Yohanes Deodatus, SJ, and Father Yosephus Edi Muljono, SJ.

Since early morning, the area around Jakarta Cathedral had been secured and closed to the general public as part of the preparation for the Mass. Security personnel from the Jakarta Metropolitan Police were seen guarding the area to ensure a safe and orderly celebration. The cathedral gates were opened at around 4:00 p.m.

According to the Head of Public Relations of Jakarta Cathedral, Susyana Suwadie, the theme of this year’s Christmas celebration was “God Is Present to Save the Family.” The theme aligns with the Joint Christmas Message issued by the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI) and the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI).

“This theme invites the faithful to reaffirm the role of the family as the first place where love, hope, and salvation are nurtured,” Susyana said.

On the same occasion, she also expressed her hopes for 2026, particularly regarding environmental awareness.“Through the Church’s social teachings, we invite everyone to protect the integrity of creation. We are called to carry out ecological conversion and to care for the Earth as our shared home,” she said.

One of the worshippers, Adesti, from East Nusa Tenggara, said she felt comfortable attending the Christmas Eve Mass at Jakarta Cathedral. She also shared her hopes for the coming year, expressing a wish for stronger interfaith tolerance in Indonesia.

“May Indonesia become more tolerant. Regardless of our religion, we should love one another, care for one another, and forgive one another,” she said.

The Christmas Eve Mass at Jakarta Cathedral once again became a symbol of harmony, security, and togetherness amid Indonesia’s rich diversity.