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Ecopolitical Christmas message and the 2024 elections
The joint KWI-PGI Christmas message gives pause for contemplation over what "peace on earth" means in the context of environmental protection and the rapidly approaching 2024 elections.
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Christmas cartoon (JP/T. Sutanto)
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s Christians around the world celebrate Christmas, this year’s holiday atmosphere in Indonesia cannot be separated from the sociopolitical context ahead of the coming elections.
It is very interesting to observe the joint Christmas message conveyed by the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia (KWI) and the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI), thematically titled “Glory to God and peace on earth”.
The message was delivered and signed in Jakarta on Nov. 13 by KWI chairman Mgr. Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC, KWI secretary-general Mgr. Paskalis Bruno Syukur, OFM, PGI chairman Rev. Gomar Gultom and PGI secretary-general Rev. Jacklevyn F Manuputty. The message is worthy of note due to its ecopolitical nuance in the contexts of next year’s elections and environmental sustainability.
With regard to the elections, the KWI-PGI message emphasizes that Christmas 2023 arrives as the nation prepares for the 2024 elections. Like other Indonesians, members of the country’s Christian community will be electing a president, a vice president and legislators.
It is recognized that political events bring joy on the one hand, but on the other, they leave negative impacts such as prolonged social conflict and division. Therefore, both Christians and people of other faiths need to show wisdom and maturity in their response to different political preferences and refrain from spreading the seeds of hate only to score an electoral win.
Politically, Christians must follow the maxim of their religion and glorify God first. Christians must therefore not become trapped by identity politics and vote buying, as these practices will only impede Christians’ political struggle for the glory of God.
Together with all members of society, Christians must reject power politics that justify any means, including sacrificing people and degrading the sanctity of life. The spirit of Christmas must move Christians to become actively involved in dignified efforts to realize prosperity for all. Therefore, we support political efforts that prioritize social justice for all.
