VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Beijing celebrated Christmas with around 70 Indonesian citizens at Wisma Indonesia, located within the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing complex.

The Indonesian Ambassador to China and Mongolia, Djauhari Oratmangun, stated after the Christmas service at Wisma Indonesia, Beijing, on Friday (3/1), that the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing fulfills its role as a representative of the government and society in China by striving to maintain good relations and safeguard Indonesian citizens and other legal entities.

Earlier, a Christmas service was held, attended by around 30 Indonesians, both Protestant and Catholic, including students and workers in Beijing. The Christmas message was delivered by Father Alfonsus Ardie, SJ, through a video broadcast.

In his remarks, Ambassador Djauhari Oratmangun noted that the global situation is filled with uncertainties. According to him, 2024 is an extraordinary year for Indonesia-China relations.

He explained that President Prabowo Subianto visited China twiceonce in April as the president-elect and again in November after his inauguration. The visits left a significant impression. He expressed hope that by 2025, the relationship between the two countries will further strengthen as they approach the 75th anniversary of Indonesia-China diplomatic relations.

He also reminded Indonesian citizens to take care of their health.

The event continued with a friendly gathering featuring a dinner of nasi megono and various Indonesian dishes, attended by about 70 Indonesians.

Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated that the Chinese government acknowledges an increase in respiratory infections during the winter season but maintains that the spread is under control.

China’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reported last week that the spread of winter respiratory pathogens is expected to continue through spring. These infections include influenza, rhinovirus, human metapneumovirus, and mycoplasma pneumonia, which are currently the most commonly detected in hospitals.