PGI Confided In Minister Of Religion Regarding The Fate Of HKI Juanda

Minister of Religion Fachrul Razi meeting with PGI representatives (doc. PGI)

JAKARTA - The Daily Workers' Council of the Indonesian Church Fellowship (PGI) was received by the Minister of Religion Fachrul Razi. One of the topics discussed between the Chairperson of PGI Gomar Gultom and Fachrul Razi was about the fate of the HKI Juanda Church, Depok in the middle of the plan to build the International Islamic University of Indonesia (UIII).

The location of the Juanda IPR Church is included in the UII development area. In the last few weeks, heavy equipment for clearing land has started to work.

Demolishing various buildings that are there even though they haven't touched the church. Hundreds of congregants who have been worshiping there for about four years, are worried that their church will also be evicted.

"Of course the dialogue process is needed to find a common solution," said Minister of Religion Fachrul as quoted from a written statement by PGI received by VOI, Saturday, November 23.

PGI discussed the rampant acts of radicalism which had an impact on many problems. Especially in religious life in Indonesia. One form is the closure or prohibition of building houses of worship by certain groups.

PGI meeting with the Minister of Religion (doc. PGI)

Not only the problem of evicting church buildings, PGI also conveyed the condition of the Sumba Raya location which was considered to require more attention. This condition is related to the barren nature of Sumba, which has made many of its residents become migrant workers.

In fact, the tourism potential in Sumba is quite high. Gomar Gultom, who still serves as General Secretary of PGI, also conveyed the condition about Sumba residents who become migrant workers who often become victims of human trafficking or experience violence.

"The role of churches in overcoming this problem is urgently needed," said Gomar who also conveyed the results of PGI's performance in reducing stunting or malnutrition in Sumba.

Fachrul is said to have welcomed the issue enthusiastically because according to him, President Jokowi also paid serious attention to the problem of stunting. One of the things emphasized by the Ministry of Religion is the need for marriage guidance so that married couples know from the start what is being done to prevent stunting.