Thousands of parishioners who came with their families packed Semarang Cathedral Church to join the evening mass lead by Priest FX Sukendra Wignyosumarta.

Sukendra promoted diversity in his sermon amid rising intolerance acts and the recent foiled terror attempts in several areas of the country.

"Jesus was born amid Roman colonialism. Now, we live in the development phase of Indonesia. Let us build this country based on Pancasila [the state's ideology]. We must maintain the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia by upholding the diversity," he said.

There have been reports of intolerance acts following the large-scale protest that saw thousands of Muslims take to the capital's streets to stage protests against Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama in November and December.

Meanwhile, Semarang Mayor Hendrar Prihadi, Semarang Military Commander Col. Zainul Bahar and Semarang Police chief Sr. Comr Abiyoso conducted visits to several churches in the city as efforts to ensure the security for Christmas celebrations.

"The Semarang administration wishes everyone a Merry Christmas, and we are committed to the safety of Semarang," said Hendrar.

Members of Police, Indonesian Military (TNI) and public order agencies joined forces to safeguard 252 churches across Semarang. (rin)

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