Minister Of Culture Fadli Zon Supports The Preservation Of The Immanuel Church, Encourages Cultural Conservation Collaboration

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, expressed full support for efforts to preserve the Immanuel Church, Jakarta. The historic building, which was founded since 1835, was recognized as a national cultural heritage. In a meeting with the administrators of the Protestant Church in West Indonesia (GPIB) Immanuel, the Minister of Culture emphasized the importance of collaboration in caring for the nation's historical heritage.

"Immanuel's church is older than the Cathedral Church. This is a historic building that deserves to be cared for together," said Fadli Zon at the Ministry of Culture Building, Tuesday, July 1.

Chairman of the GPIB Congregation Council, Immanuel, Rev. Abraham Persang, revealed the limited funds for the physical maintenance of the building. He explained that his party was trying to maintain the originality of the building as well as seek public support. One of his initiatives is to raise funds through the golf tournament of the Culture Minister's rotating cup series.

"The maintenance fee is quite large. We plan to hold a golf tournament and hope that the Minister will attend the 156th anniversary of the Immanuel Church on August 24, 2025," said Rev. Abraham.

In addition, church administrators designed the development of the second floor into a history gallery. The exhibition room is expected to be a means of public education and strengthen the function of the Immanuel Church as a community center as well as a historical tourist destination.

"We are designing the second floor so that guests can be accessed. We want this gallery to tell about the journey of the Immanuel Church," said Rev. Abraham.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon welcomed the plan. According to him, the historical gallery will enrich the visitors' experience as well as strengthen national cultural identity.

'Gallery on the second floor will be a good showroom. We fully support this effort so that people can see firsthand the history of the Immanuel Church," said Fadli.

He emphasized that his ministry is ready to help fundraising, building repairs, and the preparation of historical education programs. According to Fadli, the preservation of the Immanuel Church is an important part of the promotion of Indonesian culture.

"We support various initiatives, including golf tournaments and gallery development. Good showing off will make it easier for the public to understand the historical roots of the Immanuel Church," he said.

This meeting was attended by the Chairman of the GPIB Congregation Council, Immanuel, Pdt Abraham Persang; Chair of the Immanuel Golf Tournament, Johny Awuy; as well as the ranks of the Ministry of Culture such as the Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection, Restu Gunawan; Special Staff of the Minister, Annisa Rengganis; Expert Staff for Culture Economy, Anindita Kusuma Listya; and Director of Trust in God Almighty and Indigenous Society, Sjamsul Hadi.

The meeting is the first step in collaboration between GPIB Immanuel and the Ministry of Culture. This collaboration will focus on preserving cultural heritage, strengthening historical education, and raising public funds. This joint commitment is expected to be able to maintain the sustainability of the Immanuel Church as a cultural heritage full of historical value for the Indonesian people.