OVER a thousand participants from the Indonesian consulate general in Penang, pastors and church congregations celebrated fellowship during a Christmas celebration here at Sunshine Banquet Hall.
The gathering was organised by the Fellowship of Language Churches (Gereja Bahasa) (Perlis, Kedah Penang).
Also present were the Indonesian consulate general in Penang and the Language Churches Ecumenical Christmas committee, officers from the Indonesian consulate general in Penang, pastors and Language Church congregations in Perlis, Kedah, and Penang.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Christmas celebration brings meaning of peace, love, and joy.
“We pray and hope for blessings, harmony, and good health as we usher in the new year.
“We are called to also be thankful for all that has happened this year – good or bad, ups or downs.
“Thanks to our perseverance, the Covid-19 situation is improving day after day. The pandemic has taught us many lessons and among those is to always be grateful,” he said in his short speech this evening.
Chow said Christmas is celebrated harmoniously in Penang.
“People from various backgrounds celebrating and respecting each other’s culture and belief symbolises strength.
“This harmony and close relationship among the people have inspired me and the state leaders to continue to strive and uplift Penang,” Chow said.
He also hoped that the close relationship between Penang and Indonesia would continue to grow stronger.
“Together, let us preserve this harmonious relationship,” he added.
Also present was Indonesian consul-general in Penang Bambang Suharto.
Bambang said the theme for the celebration was ‘to recover faster and to bounce back stronger’.
“To do this, we have to do it together.
“I invite all of you to ‘compete’ with one another to do good and embrace humanity.
“The road forward may not be easy and can be full of challenges. Help one another and we pray that tomorrow can be a better day than today,” he said in his speech.
The participants had a wonderful time singing praises and enjoying the dance performances at the event.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi