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President Prabowo Subianto delivering a speech at the inauguration of the Tunnel of Friendship connecting Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral in Central Jakarta on Thursday (December 12, 2024). (ANTARA/Rangga Pandu Asmara Jingga) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the Silaturahim Tunnel in Jakarta on Thursday (12/12)  which connects the Istiqlal Mosque with the Cathedral Church.As quoted by Antara, Prabowo in his remarks admitted that he was very happy to attend this inauguration because this tunnel is considered a symbol of inter-religious harmony.

According to him, the Indonesian nation has a very unique and proud characteristic which is to remain in harmony in the midst of full of differences.

"A nation with different religions, ethnic groups,  races, regional languages,  customs, but can unite and get along because it has the same ideals  to achieve a future that can provide happiness for all Indonesian people", President said. 

Prabowo added that the Indonesian nation should be proud of its unique and remarkable success in fostering harmony and peace amidst high cultural and religious diversity.

He then drew attention to the message of harmony conveyed by the presence of Istiqlal, which stands opposite Jakarta Cathedral, as Southeast Asia's largest mosque, adding that the mosque was designed by a Christian architect.

Moreover, President Prabowo conveyed differences should not be a divider and a source of division of the Indonesian nation, but rather a wealth and provide energy for Indonesia. According to him, in the days of the independence struggle,  all groups paid their share for the country with blood,  sweat,  and tears.

The Istiqlal-Cathedral Silaturahim Tunnel is 28, 3 meters long,  3 meters high and 4.1 meters wide and is designed to facilitate visitors from the Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral Church. The construction of this tunnel was actually completed on September 20, 2021, but access for the public has not been opened because there is still additional work that needs to be completed.

Though its construction concluded on September 20, 2021, the tunnel was not opened to the public until Thursday due to the installation of wall ornaments designed to convey the deeper meaning behind the tunnel. The Tunnel of Friendship is accessible via the yards of Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral//VOI