The celebration began with a joint prayer led by Drs. Ignatius Agung Satyawan, S.E., S.Ikom., M.Si., Ph.D., followed by opening remarks from Prof. Ari Natalia Probandari, dr., M.P.H., Ph.D., Chairperson of the 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year Celebration Committee.

In her speech, Prof. Ari highlighted the theme of this year’s celebration: “Let Us Now Go to Bethlehem” (LUKE 2:15).

“This event is part of the annual activities organized by the Christian Community of UNS and ISI Surakarta. This year, it was preceded by a social service activity, specifically health check-ups, held at the UNS Primary Medical Center Clinic on January 9. A total of 127 cleaning service employees from UNS and ISI received free medical check-ups provided by the team from the UNS Primary Medical Center and UNS Hospital,” Prof. Ari said.

A Collaboration Between Two Universities

The Rector of ISI Surakarta, Dr. I Nyoman Sukerna, S.Kar., M.Hum., emphasized in his remarks that this joint Christmas celebration symbolizes a shared sense of brotherhood and strengthens unity in fostering a life filled with peace and joy.

“The chosen theme reflects the spirit of seeking faith and truth. It is a simple yet profound theme, reminding us of humanity’s purpose and hope for salvation. We hope this theme inspires us to embody humility and genuine dedication as a form of gratitude,” Dr. I Nyoman explained.

Meanwhile, the Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Hartono, dr., M.Si., remarked that Christmas is a special moment carrying a universal message of love, peace, and hope. In an academic environment filled with diverse backgrounds, the spirit of Christmas serves as a reminder to maintain harmony and tolerance.

“Christmas encourages us to spread goodness, uphold inclusivity, and instill a spirit of peace in every step we take. The strong relationship between UNS and ISI is concrete proof that inter-institutional collaboration enriches academic perspectives while fostering bonds of brotherhood. This spirit of unity must be preserved and passed down to future generations, ensuring that the values of unity, togetherness, and mutual respect continue to thrive in our academic community,” Prof. Hartono added.

This year’s Christmas celebration was attended by two religious leaders, Father Fransiskus Kristino Mari Asisi, SJ, and Reverend Dr. Ir. Timotius Haryono, M.Th. The Mayor of Surakarta, Drs. Teguh Prakosa, also graced the event with his presence. The celebration concluded with intercessory prayers led by Father Fransiskus, followed by a group photo session and a friendly gathering.

Humas UNS

• Reporter: Dikky Yudi Pradana
• Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post UNS and ISI Surakarta Celebrate Christmas Together appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

The Vice-Rector for Management and Human Resources Affairs UNS, Prof. Bandi, and UNS Christian Association was welcomed by the Rector of ISI Surakarta, Dr. I Nyoman Sukerna.

The striking difference between this year’s and previous year’s celebrations was the thick Javanese culture permeated in this year’s celebration. The songs and preach were all delivered in Javanese, followed by Gamelan music accompaniment.

Prof. Bandi, representing the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, delivered his gratitude for the warm greeting from ISI Surakarta. Prof. Bandi also appreciated ISI Surakarta as the host for holding a Christmas celebration that is thick with Javanese culture.

“President Joko Widodo once said ‘Spirit of Java’ is in Solo. Representing the Rector of UNS, I send a message of unity and tolerance inter-religious community,” Prof. Bandi stated.

The Vice-Rector also reminded us that the Christmas celebration between UNS and ISI Surakarta could spread the spirit of love and unity among the people.

Dr. I Nyoman Sukerna, in his opening remark, stated that the theme of “Christ Love that Moved Solidarity” promoted in this celebration need to be defined as improving life by becoming a person that benefits the community and achieving world peace.

“This Christmas celebration is a means of solidarity of inter-religious communities in UNS and ISI Surakarta,” he stated.

He also hoped that the celebration could give meaning and strengthen the solidarity among the inter-religious communities. The celebration was opened with Gendhing Manguyu-uyu, Beksan Umbul Donga, followed by Pandonga Syafaat oleh Dr. Ir. Timotius. Haryono, M.Th. UNS Golek Mugirahayu dance and Opera Akapela “Cahyo Tanpo Asmo” from ISI Surakarta were also presented in the celebration. The celebration was concluded with preaching from Pdt. Dr. Uri Christian Sakti Labeti. S.Si., M.Sn. Humas UNS

Reporter: Y.C.A. Sanjaya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post UNS and ISI Surakarta Held Christmas Celebration Thick with Javanese Culture appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.