HKBP Finalises Preparations for 165th Anniversary at GBK
Jakarta (ANTARA) — The national committee for the 165th anniversary of the Batak Protestant Christian Church (HKBP) has finalised preparations for the grand worship service to take place at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (GBK) in Jakarta on Sunday, 18 October. The HKBP Central Leadership, together with the organising committee, inspected GBK on Thursday, 21 May. The inspection was led by the Ephorus of HKBP, Pastor Victor Tinambunan, and the Chairman of the National Committee for HKBP’s 165th Anniversary, Effendi Muara Sakti Simbolon.
“We as the committee are focused on preparing the Thanksgiving service, which will be followed by Holy Communion for about 100,000 congregants who will attend in person,” Effendi said in a statement received in Jakarta on Friday.
The delegation toured the stadium, checking key points from the main worship area, crowd entry and exit routes, multimedia facilities to arrangements for a live television broadcast.
In addition to those attending in person, the event will be broadcast on three national stations so that millions of HKBP members in various countries can follow.
Effendi explained that the Thanksgiving service will be attended by representatives from all 32 HKBP districts. In addition, the church leadership worldwide and interfaith figures in Indonesia are also scheduled to attend. The committee also hopes that President Prabowo Subianto can attend the event.
According to Effendi, HKBP’s anniversary, which falls on 7 October each year, holds a deep meaning for the church’s mission. “Thus, 165 years ago, Christianity’s mission arrived in Batak land through missionaries sent by God. We view this moment as an expression of gratitude and also a plea for God’s guidance for future generations and for the Indonesian nation,” he said.
“We intentionally came to GBK because it has been planned for a 165-year thanksgiving service for HKBP. We came to see this place and to pray together with all committee members,” Victor said.
He added that the HUT HKBP celebration is not a grand party, but a thanksgiving worship service for God’s provision over HKBP’s 165-year journey. “This service is about giving thanks, not a large festive celebration. Emphasis is on a thanksgiving worship, recalling how God sent missionaries and brought HKBP to where it is today,” he said.
Victor conveyed that HKBP continues its mission to serve its congregations and the wider community. On that basis, all committee members are asked to maintain the solemnity of the event. The Thanksgiving service is scheduled to begin with a pre-worship at 14:00 WIB.
Through the Thanksgiving service, HKBP hopes the moment of thanksgiving can convey messages of unity and hope for the Indonesian nation.