Inp.polri.go.id -  Surabaya.  The capital of East Java province of Surabaya has been chosen to host  the National Christmas Celebration on 27 December 2023. "God willing, Surabaya will be guarded by the people of Surabaya, who are known for their tolerance. The Muslim community will undoubtedly join in the protection," Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi said on Sunday (10/12/2023). The Ministry of Religious Affairs has chosen Surabaya's Bethany Nginden Church as the central venue for the national Christmas celebration, which is expected to be attended by 30,000 Christian worshippers, antaranews.com reported. Mayor Eri expressed optimism that the religious celebrations would be peaceful. With this in mind, he has been coordinating with religious organizations to ensure interfaith tolerance in Surabaya. "People in Surabaya, especially Muslims, have a high level of tolerance because we are taught to respect each other's religions," he said. The mayor hoped that, as in previous years, the Muslim community in Surabaya would actively contribute to security measures during Christmas celebrations in churches around the city. "Our Muslim friends will also participate in security as they have done in previous years. We have also provided security guidelines to the churches. God willing, Surabaya will be protected by its people, who are known for their tolerance," he said. (mg/inp/pr/nm)