Thousands of GMIT Youth Celebrate Galilea Procession in Kupang

Warmth of tolerance coloured the Galilea Procession held by the Youth of the GMIT Synod at Lai-Lai Besi Kopan Beach (LLBK) in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara, on Sunday (5/4). Thousands of participants filled the event location at LLBK Beach, while around 50 boats joined the sailing from Lasiana Beach in Kupang as the starting point of the procession, carrying symbols of resurrection and the journey of faith. The Galilea Procession is part of the Easter celebration series that reflects the story of Jesus Christ’s encounter with his disciples at Lake Galilee after his resurrection. In this event, Jesus appeared to the disciples such as Simon Peter, John, and Andrew, as a sign of strengthening faith and a call to return to the original love and proclaim the message of salvation to the world. Deputy Secretary of the GMIT Synod Council, Rev. Zimrat M.S. Karmany, M.Th, explained that the procession is not merely a ceremony but has profound spiritual value. “This is an invitation to return to Galilee, where Jesus first raised and called his disciples. We are invited to understand that Christ is risen for us all and to live out love for our fellow human beings,” he said. He also appreciated the support from the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government and security apparatus that ensured the event ran safely and smoothly. Chairman of the GMIT Youth Easter Committee 2026, Simson Polin, said the procession serves as a means to strengthen togetherness across congregations and religions. “We thank everyone who joined the walk from Lasiana to LLBK. This is real proof that the spirit of tolerance in NTT remains well-maintained,” he stated. In addition to being a celebration of faith, the Galilea Procession also serves as a space for reflection for the congregation to remember the meaning of Jesus Christ’s resurrection and strengthen brotherhood in daily life. Meanwhile, Chairman of the GMIT Synod Youth, Erens Blegur, said that this activity will continue to be developed into a larger-scale Easter Festival involving various classes and other activities, including photo exhibitions, paintings, and various educational competitions for children and youth. As the closing of the series, the committee invited the public to join the Easter Victory Parade to be held on Monday (6/4), from Tirosa Roundabout to the city centre of Kupang. Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of NTT, Johni Asadoma, said that this activity also demonstrates an extraordinary spirit of togetherness and tolerance, becoming part of the identity of East Nusa Tenggara as the “Most Beautiful Island of Tolerance.” Johni Asadoma also expressed appreciation to all parties, including Muslims who participated in this activity, affirming interfaith collaboration. The Galilea Procession also has the potential to become a new sustainable religious tourism destination. The Deputy Governor hopes that this activity will not only become an annual celebration but also an identity for GMIT residents in NTT, similar to the Semana Santa procession in Larantuka which has been running for more than 400 years and become a national and international tourism destination. Furthermore, Johni Asadoma emphasised the positive impact of the procession on the local economy. This activity spurs UMKM activities, boosts the community’s economic wheels, and provides real benefits for local residents. He also emphasised the importance of a frugal lifestyle and food resilience, such as planting on empty land, raising livestock, and managing local harvests, as efforts to support NTT and national food resilience. The Deputy Governor also appreciated the hard work of the committee in organising this major event, emphasising the importance of coordination, leadership, and good cooperation. He closed his speech by inviting all participants to carry the spirit of the Galilea Procession in daily life, to advance the region, nation, and country. “Happy Easter to us all. May the spirit of togetherness and tolerance continue to be maintained,” he said.