Respect PGI-HKBP Meeting with JK, Public Urged to Avoid Polarisation

Jakarta, VIVA - The visit by the Chairman of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), Reverend Jacklevyn Manuputty, and Reverend Victor Tinambunan, Ephorus of the Batak Protestant Christian Church (HKBP), to the home of Indonesia’s 10th and 12th Vice President, Jusuf Kalla, some time ago, has elicited varied responses from the public.

In response to the diverse public reactions, the Indonesian Christian Youth Movement (GAMKI) respects the stance taken by the leaders of PGI and HKBP. They assess that this dialogue is part of efforts to maintain constructive communication and alleviate potential misunderstandings within society.

Therefore, all parties, especially the Christian community, are expected to approach it calmly and wisely. This was stated by GAMKI’s legal representative, Saddan Sitorus.

“GAMKI invites all elements of society to continue upholding ethics in expressing opinions and to avoid personal attacks against any party. The public space must be kept healthy, rational, focused on discussing substance, and not trapped in polarisation,” he said on Monday, 4 May 2026.

Furthermore, GAMKI emphasises the importance of respecting ongoing processes, whether through legal channels or dialogue approaches, as part of the principles of a rule of law that must be upheld together.

“The report submitted by GAMKI along with other institutions is part of correcting something that is mistaken. Because Mr Jusuf Kalla’s statements could be misinterpreted not only by Christians but also by other religions. This is what we want to correct and clarify,” he said.

Even if JK’s sermon was delivered in the context of the Poso and Ambon conflicts, according to Saddan, it cannot be generalised to the Christian community throughout Indonesia or the world. Because, he continued, the Poso and Ambon conflicts do not represent the entirety of social facts among adherents of each religion.

GAMKI views this legal approach as a form of anticipation to prevent polarisation in society. As he said, if this issue is left unchecked, it will become prolonged uproar in the public space. Therefore, Saddan continued, the report from dozens of organisations to the police some time ago was an anticipation of emerging unrest in society.