Enviro News Asia, Washington D.C. — The Indonesian Christian community in the Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland areas gathered to celebrate Easter at the Activity Center, Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg on 18 April 2026. The event brought together around 150 Indonesian worshippers, religious leaders, and community members in a warm celebration of faith, culture, and togetherness.
The joint Easter service was attended by prominent religious figures, including Reverend Robinson Tulenan, Chairman of the Fellowship of Indonesian Ministers in America, along with Pastor Albert Ticoalu from Calvary Church, Pastor Charles Tulenan from El Shaday Church, Reverend Ferdinanda Pattipeilohy from Maryland Indonesian Presbyterian Church, and Jay Orvis from the Ambassador for Christ Foundation USA. The event was hosted by the Indonesian American Presbyterian Church.
Following the religious service, the celebration continued with performances of Indonesian popular songs adapted with spiritual themes, presented by various Indonesian church communities across the region. The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by social interactions among attendees and a door-prize session, strengthening bonds within the diaspora community.
The Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, Indroyono Soesilo, attended the event alongside his spouse. In his remarks, he emphasized that Easter is not only a religious observance but also a moment of family warmth and unity, often symbolized by joyful traditions such as Easter egg hunts for children.
Reflecting on his personal experiences living abroad and serving internationally, the Ambassador highlighted the importance of solidarity among Indonesians overseas. He noted that such togetherness contributes meaningfully to Indonesia–United States relations, particularly within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, where people-to-people connections serve as a key pillar.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Washington, D.C. to remain a shared home for the Indonesian diaspora, supporting cultural promotion and fostering values of tolerance and mutual cooperation in American society.
A unique highlight of the celebration was the presence of a cultural ornament depicting Bima, a heroic figure from Javanese wayang tradition, portrayed carrying a cross. Created by Indonesian artist Bagong Kusudidarjo, the sculpture symbolizes a fusion of Javanese spiritual philosophy and Christian values. The imagery of Bima bearing the cross while entwined by a dragon represents the courage to endure suffering and uphold moral responsibility for the greater good.
The celebration not only strengthened faith and community ties but also showcased Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage as a bridge for interfaith understanding and soft diplomacy on the global stage. (*)
