Jayapura – Papua Governor Matius D. Fakhiri attended the 20th anniversary celebration of the Evangelical Church in Indonesia (GIDI) Efata Kotaraja Congregation in Jayapura City.
Addressing the congregation, Governor Fakhiri emphasized the church’s important role as a strategic partner for the government in human resource development.
“On behalf of the Papua Provincial Government, I extend my congratulations and highest appreciation to the entire Efata Kotaraja congregation for reaching 20 years of service,” he said.
According to him, the church has a broader role than simply a place of worship. It serves as a center for faith development, character formation, and community empowerment. This aligns with the celebration’s theme, “Growing and Bearing Fruit in the Fellowship of Local Congregations.”
He explained that the value of love within the church community is expected to encourage congregations to become independent, caring individuals, and contribute to creating justice and social welfare.
Furthermore, Fakhiri emphasized the crucial role of the church in regional development, particularly in building a Papuan society with faith, character, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
“The church is a strategic partner of the government in developing Papuans with faith, character, and a strong sense of social responsibility,” he said.
He added that through spiritual services, education, and social activities, the church has played a role in creating a harmonious community life.
On that occasion, the Governor also linked the church’s role to Papua’s development vision, namely “Papua Cerah,” or the Transformation of a Smart, Prosperous, and Harmonious Papua. This vision focuses not only on physical development but also on improving the quality of Papuan life.
“Development must include human resources who are faithful, educated, and healthy, living in harmony and brotherhood,” he explained.
In response, Governor Fakhiri urged all congregations to continue maintaining unity, strengthening their services, and synergizing with the government in building a better Papua.
“I hope that, in its 20th year, the GIDI Efata Kotaraja Congregation will be even more solid, making an impact on the wider community and becoming a blessing to others,” he said.
The pastor of the GIDI Efata Congregation, Rev. Yunias Gurik, expressed his appreciation to the Papua Provincial Government for its support of church services and prayed for regional leaders to continue bringing positive change to the community.
He also conveyed a message of tolerance by wishing Muslims a Happy Eid al-Fitr, a symbol of strong interfaith harmony in Papua.
“On behalf of the congregation, we wish you a Happy Eid al-Fitr. May brotherhood continue to be maintained in the land of Papua,” Gurik said.
