UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta held its Christmas celebration as an expression of gratitude and as a moment to strengthen togetherness, brotherhood, and the values of tolerance within the campus community. The event was attended by UNS leaders, representatives of the Mayor of Surakarta, the UNS Christian Community Association, and other invited guests at the G.P.H. Haryo Mataram Auditorium, Thursday (8/1/2026).
The 2025 UNS Christmas Celebration was held solemnly and joyfully under the theme “God is Present to Save the Family.” Through this event, UNS reaffirmed its commitment as a campus that upholds diversity and harmony among religious communities.
In his remarks, UNS Rector, Prof. Dr. Hartono, extended Christmas greetings to all Christians at UNS. “May the peace of Christmas always accompany all of you, bringing peace of heart, new hope, and the spirit to continue spreading love in daily life,” said Prof. Hartono.
This Christmas celebration is an annual agenda that serves not only as a religious celebration, but also as a space for strengthening friendship and interfaith brotherhood. UNS believes that diversity is a strength. A campus is not only an academic ecosystem, but also a place where values of humanity, tolerance, and mutual respect can grow. This Christmas celebration is clear proof that UNS continues to maintain harmony, unity, and the spirit of nationalism within the frame of diversity.
“Let this UNS Christmas Celebration be a reminder to continue strengthening brotherhood, spreading love, and making positive contributions to the campus environment, society, and the nation,” he added.
This celebration was also made possible through the hard work of the organizing committee. “Therefore, on behalf of the university leadership, I would like to express my appreciation to the UNS Christian Community Association, all committee members, and everyone involved, so that the 2025 Christmas Celebration could be held well, solemnly, and meaningfully. May the cooperation, spirit of service, and togetherness built today continue to be maintained and developed,” said Prof. Hartono.
The Mayor of Surakarta, represented by the Expert Staff for Community Affairs and Human Resources of Surakarta City, Francisco Amaral, also delivered Christmas greetings to all Christians, especially the big family of UNS.
In his remarks, the Mayor of Surakarta appreciated the role of UNS as a strategic higher education institution in promoting tolerance, religious moderation, and the spirit of diversity among the younger generation, as well as its contribution to maintaining harmony on campus and in the Surakarta community.
The Surakarta City Government, he continued, is committed to maintaining a peaceful, harmonious, and respectful life among religious communities. “Through this joint Christmas celebration, we hope that the spirit of Christ’s love will further strengthen brotherhood, care, and mutual cooperation in building an inclusive, cultured, and harmonious Surakarta,” the Mayor stated in his speech, which was delivered by Francisco Amaral.
The Chairperson of the 2025 UNS Christmas Celebration Committee, Prof. Dr. Sukatiman, explained that this year’s Christmas celebration was not only understood as worship, but also realized through real acts of sharing with others.
Following the tradition before the main celebration, UNS organized two social activities: free health check-ups and free consultations attended by 150 employees. In addition, a tree-planting activity was also carried out as a form of environmental care.
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