Denies Accepting BOTI Grants From Governor Anies, Bethany Church Synod: We Never Received Aid For Political Interests

JAKARTA - General Secretary of the Synod of the Bethany Indonesia Church, Ronny Djaja Sanjata, denied that his party had received money in the Operational Assistance for Places of Worship (BOTI) program from DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.

This is in response to the inclusion of the name Bethany Indonesia Church in the BOTI recipients in the 2022 budget. The church, which is headquartered in Surabaya, is listed as one of 38 BOTI recipients with a total aid of IDR 47 billion.

"We from the Synod [Bethany Indonesia Church Synod] did not receive any form of assistance from the Governor of DKI. Indeed, our names were mentioned in the information circulating on WhatsApp. But to be honest we didn't need any help because we were already independent with our own finances, but we didn't receive assistance in any form," said Ronny when confirmed by VOI, Sunday, May 15.

Ronny emphasized that his party did not need any assistance in any form. Especially from political figures who are predicted to run in the 2024 General Election. Because, said Ronny, the Bethany Church does not want to be associated and considered to support one of the political figures ahead of the five-year democratic party.

"We clearly, firmly, will not accept assistance in any form for political purposes because our church or synod is neutral and does not participate in practical politics," explained Ronny.

However, Ronny admitted that he was open to assistance from the government. He said the Bethany Indonesia Church Synod would accept it with a note that it was far from practical politics.

"If this is indeed from the government and you have to give, then okay. But when it comes to politics, it's a difficult one. It's the moment that becomes a problem, because this church is neutral. We have never wanted to accept from this candidate, that candidate. " he insisted.