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Muslim artists involved in Klaten’s Stations of The Cross procession
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Congregants of the Javanese Christian Church in Klaten, Central Java, held a reenactment of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion in the middle of a paddy field on Friday. (JP/Ganug Nugroho Adi)
T
he Javanese Christian Church’s (GKJ) Karangdowo congregation in Klaten, Central Java, held a reenactment of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion in the middle of a paddy field on Friday.
The procession, which depicts the chronology of Jesus’ capture right up to His crucifixion, also involved a number of Muslim actors.
The congregation had gathered since early morning at the small church not far from the paddy field to attend the procession that started at 10 a.m. The reenactment began when Jesus was captured and brought to Pontius Pilatus, the Roman ruler.
About 100 congregants were involved in the procession themed “Love, Believe and Hope”. Two people played the role of Jesus, including GKJ minister Karangdowo Praditya Wisnu Pratama, who appeared at the beginning of the procession, and Muslim actor Jimbling Supriyadi who played the part where Jesus was captured and then crucified.
Jimbling, who hails from Cawas, said he wanted to be involved in the crucifixion reenactment, not in the religious procession.
“I want to feel how Jesus was tortured and crucified. That’s the main reason,” he added.
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Kokor Bimo, who helped the church with the Easter festivities, said a number of Muslim artists were involved in the event to showcase tolerance and friendship between the two religions.
“They were not only involved in the procession, but also helped out with security as well as managing traffic during the procession,” Kokor said.
After Jesus’ capture, the visualization continued with the scene where He was dragged to the fields, which is located about 200 meters from the church lawn. The cross-bearing walk was followed by congregants and artists who also carried bamboo crosses.
"The Stations of the Cross procession sends a message that we must sacrifice ourselves to stand up for others. Jesus gave Himself for the goodness of humankind,” said Praditya.
He also called for harmony between religious groups.
“If all religious groups can observe and worship according to their beliefs, I am convinced that Indonesia will be a harmonious place. For there is no religion that teaches negativity. Diversity is beautiful,” he added. (asw)
