Strengthening Spiritual Values: Sorong Mayor Attends Pentecost Service and Handover of GKI Elim Malanu Congregation Chairmanship

The Sorong City Government continues to demonstrate its commitment to religious guidance and maintaining interfaith harmony in the region. This was evident as Mayor Septinus Lobat, S.H., MPA., accompanied by TP-PKK Chair Jemima E. Lobat, SKM., MAP., attended Sunday morning worship at Gereja Kristen Injili (GKI) Elim Malanu on 24 May 2026. The mayor’s presence coincided with the sacred Pentecost celebration observed by Christians worldwide. The worship service was conducted solemnly and peacefully, with hundreds of congregants filling the church from early morning. In addition to commemorating Pentecost—the descent of the Holy Spirit—the service also featured the official handover of the GKI Elim Malanu Congregation Chairmanship from outgoing leader Pdt. I. S. Kwaktolo, S.Si. Teol., to new chair Pdt. Diana Pesiseron, M.Th. This leadership transition is part of GKI’s regular rotation and synergy programme to ensure ongoing church services and strengthen congregational roles in spiritually adaptive religious development. The mayor and TP-PKK Chair’s attendance underscored the government’s tangible support for religious activities. Local authorities view churches as strategic partners in developing human capital, particularly in mental, moral, and spiritual character building. ‘The city government appreciates the contributions of the previous congregation leadership and welcomes the new leaders to continue this noble work. Collaboration between the government and religious institutions like GKI is vital for creating a safe, peaceful, and prosperous Sorong,’ said Septinus Lobat. Through the Pentecost celebration and church leadership renewal, the city hopes to strengthen partnerships, unity, and tolerance within Sorong’s community. The event concluded with a collective prayer for the city’s peaceful development and a group photo session involving government officials, clergy, and GKI Elim Malanu congregation representatives. (H-2)