GMIT Synod Chairman Voices Concerns to Gibran on Array of Problems in NTT: Stand with Us
The Chairman of the Synod of the Evangelical Christian Church in Timor (GMIT), Reverend Semuel Pandie, poured out various problems in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) in front of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. From stunting and extreme poverty to the fate of migrant workers and PPPK, all were conveyed openly.
In his speech, Semuel highlighted several crucial issues still plaguing NTT, including violence against women and children as well as the increase in HIV and AIDS cases.
“We implore you, Mas Gibran, to stand with NTT, the centre of stunting and extreme poverty; the problems of migrant workers are here, violence against women and children is here, and the frightening rise in HIV/AIDS numbers is here,” said Semuel on Monday (6/4/2026).
He also requested serious attention to NTT as a 3T (disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost) region, including the issue of Government Employees with Work Agreements (PPPK) who are at risk of being laid off.
“We implore you to stand with NTT, especially as one of the 3T regions that needs more equitable attention, and do not forget the fate of PPPK who yearn for a brighter future. Because true Easter is standing with the small, the fragile, and those who are struggling,” he explained.
Semuel also appreciated Gibran’s presence in NTT and expressed GMIT’s commitment to supporting the government of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
“Thank you, Mas Gibran, for being here today. The Evangelical Christian Church in Timor will pray for you along with President Prabowo. We are ready to provide peace and harmony; we will set an example for Indonesia,” he said.
He added that Gibran’s presence is hoped to become a footprint of peace and strengthen brotherhood from NTT for Indonesia.
“We just want to remind you, Mas Gibran, from the gateway of safe Indonesia, welcome; may this presence become a footprint of peace, brotherhood, and integration for all the nation’s children,” he explained.
Meanwhile, NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said that the presence of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka holds special meaning for the people of NTT.
“The presence of Vice President Mr Gibran Rakabuming Raka in our midst strengthens the meaning of that togetherness. This serves as a symbol of attention and support from the central government towards the role of youth in maintaining national unity and integrity,” Laka Lena elaborated.
He also appreciated the central government’s steps in sending representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) and the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) to find solutions regarding the PPPK issue in NTT.
“We are grateful that the GMIT Synod Chairman mentioned the PPPK issue earlier. And yesterday, the Vice President sent the Director General from Kemendagri and Kemenkeu to find a way out, so that the PPPK matter can be resolved well and satisfactorily for all parties,” he concluded.