In the blissfulness of welcoming Christmas 2023 and the New Year 2024, the Christian Employees Fellowship of Universitas Terbuka (PPK-UT) organized a hybrid Christmas Celebration once again. The theme for this Christmas event was “Glory to God and Peace on Earth (Luke 2:14),” with the sub-theme ”Dengan Semangat Natal Kita Wujudkan UT PTN- BH Maju melalui Tatanan dan Budaya Kerja Baru.” The event took place on Friday, January 12, 2024, at the Multipurpose Building, Universitas Terbuka Central Office.
The Christmas Celebration event 2023 was attended by Pastor Hendrik Barus S.th, Father Agustinus Suharyasi S.C., Vice Rector for Information Systems and Student Affairs of Universitas Terbuka Prof. Paken Pandiangan, S.Si., M.Si., representing UT Rector Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D. It was also attended by Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of Universitas Terbuka Dr. Mohamad Yunus, S.S., M.A.
The event saw participation from hundreds of attendees from various groups, including Christian students of Universitas Terbuka, active and retired Christian employees of Universitas Terbuka, and their families. The celebration featured performances by Universitas Terbuka students, UT Regional employees, UT Central employees, and children of Universitas Terbuka employees.
The activities began with a welcoming speech by the Chairperson of the Christmas committee, Mrs. Editha Natalina Nababan, S.T., M.Ak. In her address, she emphasized that the event served as a platform to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, not only among Christian employees but for all Universitas Terbuka employees and she hoped, the Christmas spirit would ignite a new energy in realizing UT PTN-BH Maju through a new work culture.
The second address was delivered by Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D., represented by Prof. Paken Pandiangan, S.Si., M.Si., as the Vice Rector for Information Systems and Student Affairs. In his speech, Prof. Paken expressed that the Christmas Celebration of the Christian Employees Fellowship of Universitas Terbuka is a precious moment to express love and tolerance, this was a real illustration of implementation of our national motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity) which is a tangible manifestation of accepting, respecting differences and celebrating togetherness. The theme of Christmas 2023 leaves a distinctive impression, where Christian employees of Universitas Terbuka interpret and embody the quoted verse from the holy book believed and realized into daily lives, including in the workplace, fostering a spirit to realize UT PTN-BH Maju through a new work culture.
The Rector, through the Vice Rector 3, concluded the address by extending Christmas and New Year greetings to Christian students, employees, retirees, and families of Universitas Terbuka. “Let us continue to maintain our steps and hearts so that peace on Earth becomes the light of glory that strengthens all aspects of life,” Prof. Paken expressed.
The final remarks were delivered by Dr. Mohamad Yunus, S.S., M.A., the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of Universitas Terbuka. He conveyed that no matter how grand a religious celebration is, it becomes truly beautiful when it comes from the heart. The Vice Rector for Academic Affairs also hoped that this opportunity would grant more elated, beautiful, and grown hearts for us, through our works under the guidance of devotion to the Almighty.
The Christmas worship service proceeded solemnly and joyously. During the celebration, the Vice Rector for Information Systems and Student Affairs also distributed gifts to children attending the Christmas event at UT, which settled with a communal meal.
To be known that the video of the Christmas Celebration for the Christian Academic Community of Universitas Terbuka (January 12, 2024) can be watched on UTTV YouTube channel.
