From Naioni, Kupang City Strengthens Diversity
The Kupang City government has reaffirmed its commitment to diversity as a strength in building community togetherness. The message was delivered by Mayor Christian Widodo during the opening of the Naioni Sub-district Cultural Event at the Naioni Sub-district Office on Friday.
The event was attended by government officials, members of the Kupang City Regional House of Representatives, religious leaders, community figures, and residents of Naioni Sub-district. The cultural festival is part of the government’s efforts to preserve culture while strengthening community unity.
Christian expressed his appreciation to the Naioni Sub-district apparatus, the organising committee, and the community for making the event a success. According to him, the cultural festival is not merely a celebration but also a moment to nurture the identity of Kupang City, which is built on diversity.
“Today we are not just celebrating a festival, but we are celebrating the identity and soul of Kupang City, which is diversity and collaboration,” Christian said.
He stressed that ethnic, tribal, and religious diversity must become a strength and a bridge for the community, not a source of division. According to him, harmony does not mean uniformity, but rather the ability to coexist within differences.
“Harmony is not about being the same or uniform. We are different, but when brought together in the right proportions, like notes in a song or threads in a weaving, it creates beautiful harmony,” he said.
Christian also highlighted the importance of collaboration in the development of Kupang City. He quoted Henry Ford, saying, “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.”
“This is what we must build in Kupang City. We may be different, but we must continue to walk together. Because the strength of Kupang City lies precisely in the diversity we nurture and the collaboration we build,” he stated.
The Kupang City government has prepared cultural festivals across 51 sub-districts. The programme is supported by government funding and is planned to be held annually.
In addition to cultural preservation, Christian noted that the renovation of sub-district offices and the construction of neighbourhood roads remain a priority. He said sub-district offices must have adequate facilities and be accessible for people with disabilities.
“The sub-district office is the frontline of public service. Its facilities must be complete, the building must be in good condition, and it must also be disability-friendly,” he stressed.
He assured that improvements to neighbourhood roads will continue in stages despite budget efficiency measures. According to him, development is carried out based on priority needs.
“Of course, we cannot make 100 percent of all alleyways in Kupang City good instantly, but we are doing it gradually. Even with efficiency measures, we can still accomplish many things,” he concluded.