Sorong City LPPD Contingent Ready to Compete in National Pesparawi
The Sorong City Government has officially dispatched the City’s Lembaga Pengembangan Pesparawi Daerah (LPPD) contingent to participate in the XIV National Pesta Paduan Suara Gerejawi (Pesparawi) in 2026. Beyond being a competition for church music, the participation is expected to serve as a means of character building, faith strengthening, and promoting the region’s potential at the national level.
The departure ceremony took place on Sunday (14/6) and was led directly by the Mayor of Sorong, Septinus Lobat. The contingent was formally handed over to the LPPD of Papua Barat Daya Province, represented by Daily Chairperson Fanik Tahupeiory, before departing for Manokwari City, Papua Barat Province, the host location for the XIV National Pesparawi.
The ceremony was also attended by the Acting Regional Secretary of Sorong City, the Regional Secretariat Assistants, the Chairperson of the Sorong City DPRK, and heads of Regional Apparatus Organisations (OPD), as a form of government support for the development of church music and ministry.
Chairperson of the Sorong City LPPD, Jemima Elisabeth Windesi Lobat, stated that Pesparawi is both a developmental forum and the highest-level competition for church music ministers in Indonesia. She noted that the event not only emphasises vocal ability and musicality but also serves as a space to strengthen fellowship among Christians from various regions.
“Pesparawi at the national level is the highest forum for gathering, development, and competition for church music ministers in Indonesia,” she said.
The contingent from Sorong City will compete in five categories: Male Choir (PSP), Youth Choir (PSRP), Church Pop Music (MPG), Nusantara Church Music, and Female Youth Solo. Specifically for the Church Pop Music category, the representative comes from the Christian Coordination Body (BAKORUMKRIS) of Pertamina Patra Niaga RU VII Kasim Sorong, entrusted to strengthen the city’s contingent.
A total of 132 people are part of the group heading to Manokwari. They consist of participants, conductors, pianists, trainers, musicians, and official staff who will accompany them throughout the entire series of activities.
Mayor Septinus Lobat emphasised that participation in Pesparawi carries a broader meaning than merely pursuing championship titles. According to him, the activity is part of mental, spiritual, and character development for the younger generation through church music ministry.
“This is mental and religious development so that we remain obedient to church activities. We believe and are confident, especially for Papua Barat Daya, that we must lead in order to win,” he said.
He also reminded all participants to maintain a spirit of togetherness, discipline, and sportsmanship during the competition, while also upholding the good name of the region at the national level.
“The government’s hope is that you perform and bring a good name to the Papua Barat Daya Provincial Government, especially Sorong City. Spirit for the young participants, we surrender everything to God, and you must return bringing championship titles,” he advised.
The local government’s support for the contingent’s departure is part of an effort to encourage sustainable church music development in Sorong City. Through the XIV National Pesparawi, the contingent is expected not only to achieve accolades but also to strengthen the values of service, fellowship, and togetherness that are the spirit of the event, while bringing honour to the name of Sorong City and Papua Barat Daya Province on the national stage.