Christmas trees are usually made from pine trees, but in Indonesia Christians on Doom Island, Sorong City, Southwest Papua Province make unique Christmas trees from seashells or shells.

The 6.3 meter high Christmas tree was made by church youth assisted by TNI soldiers from the Joint Regional Defense Command III who initiated the creation of this unique Christmas tree. Where the work process is carried out in approximately two weeks.

It takes at least 208 kilo grams or 15 thousand shells. Where the planning process for making this unique Christmas tree is planned for approximately one month.

Apart from Doom Island, the shells used as raw material for making this unique Christmas tree are obtained by young people from the surrounding islands.

"On Doom Island, there are few shells, so we young people here look for shells on other large islands such as Ram Island, Crocodile Island, Soop Island and Matan Island," said Yar Oso Moay, a youth leader at Bethel Doom Church,

Because it is the only one in the world, this unique Christmas tree made from sea shells won the world record for the Indonesian Museum of Records or MURI

Commander of the Joint Defense Region III Command, Lieutenant General TNI Richard Tampubolon, admitted that he was proud of the work of the Bethel Church youth on Doom Island ahead of the Christmas celebrations on December 25 2023.

"I feel proud of the creativity of the church youth here. This world record result is not for us, but we dedicate this MURI record to the residents of Doom Island to remain safe, peaceful and conducive," said Richard.

Acting Governor of Southwest Papua Mohammad Musa'ad admitted that the work of the church youth had become a motivation for the government

"The work of these church youth motivates us from the Government, it turns out that with collaboration and synergy we can make the impossible possible and can benefit others," said Mohammad Musa'ad.

It is hoped that this unique Christmas tree made from shells will become a religious tourist attraction during the series of Christmas 2023 and New Year 2024 celebrations.