GKPS Leader Urges Congregation to Remain Calm and Avoid Panic Buying
Amidst escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, the leadership of the Protestant Christian Church of Simalungun (GKPS) has urged all congregation members to remain calm and avoid panic-driven behaviour that could exacerbate the situation. Regarding fuel consumption and daily necessities, congregants are urged to refrain from panic buying, to use fuel and resources wisely and only as needed, and to support government measures in maintaining national stability.
“A calm, prudent, and mutually caring attitude represents our responsibility as church members and citizens,” said Ephorus Pdt. John Christian Saragih in a statement on Wednesday (11 March).
He noted that various developments in the global and regional situation currently demonstrate dynamics requiring collective vigilance, including intensifying tensions in the Middle East, the involvement of global powers in the conflict, and impacts increasingly felt across various sectors of life, including the economy and energy.
“Domestically, we are also witnessing various public responses to these global developments, including heightened public concern impacting panic-buying behaviour for fuel, evidenced by lengthening queues at fuel stations across various regions seeking petrol,” he said.
In such circumstances, he continued, the church is called to provide pastoral guidance that strengthens faith, guides prudent conduct, and maintains public calm. “GKPS affirms that warfare and violence contradict God’s will, which created the world in peace and wholeness. Warfare constitutes a destruction of life and a negation of the wholeness of God’s creation,” said Ephorus Pdt John Christian Saragih.
Amidst rapid information flow, the Ephorus also urged all congregation members to use social media responsibly, by sharing accurate and verifiable information, refraining from spreading unverified news, and helping maintain peace and brotherhood within society.
“Dear ones beloved by the Lord, in all circumstances, the church believes that the Lord continues to care for this world. Therefore, let us live in faith, hope, and love, and continue to present Christ’s peace within our shared life. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). May the Lord bless and care for us all,” added the Ephorus.
He called upon the entire GKPS congregation to join together in prayer for global peace and the resolution of international conflict, for the safety and protection of civilians affected by warfare, for Indonesia’s stability and security, and for peaceful community life, particularly ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Additionally, Commission VI member of the House of Representatives Nevi Zuairina highlighted the importance of maintaining distribution stability and public confidence regarding national fuel oil (BBM) supply.
The increasingly heated geopolitical situation in the Middle East must serve as a serious alarm for Indonesia to promptly strengthen national energy independence. Public panic does not emerge spontaneously but is triggered by information imbalance and loss of public trust in state supply guarantees.
PERTAMINA Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagut has moved quickly to anticipate energy demand dynamics amid global stock resilience concerns. Queues of vehicles at various public fuel stations began increasing from Friday morning (6 March) as citizens sought to fill their fuel tanks.