Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan attended the Immanuel Church Jakarta Building's 180th anniversary, on Saturday (8/24). 

I feel grateful today we are in a historic place that has witnessed this humanitarian journey in Jakarta

It was also attended by Education and Culture Ministry's Culture Director General, Hilmar Farid; Christian Affairs Director, Janus Pangaribuan; Jakarta Religious Harmony Forum members; GPIB Immanuel Congregation Assembly Chairperson, Pastor Michiko Pinaria Sharen; Immanuel Church Building Work Team Chairman, Simon Saimima; and GPIB Immanuel worshipers.

Anies expressed his admiration for the preserving of the Church building which made since August 24, 1839 and is still very well maintained. The church, which is located in opposite of Gambir Station, is one of the oldest churches in the archipelago. It is stored an orgal, which is one of the three oldest orgals in the world.

"I feel grateful today we are in a historic place that has witnessed this humanitarian journey in Jakarta," he stated in his speech, as quoted by Jakarta PPID press release.

He went to say that this moment could be used to reinforce the commitment to care for and maintain the integrity and activities of the church congregation. 

"We need to think about long-term needs, such as the Governor's appreciation gave to the previous generation who guarded and cared for Immanuel Church for 180 years," he added.

Then he committed to support the activities and care of the church as a symbol of Christians in Jakarta.

"And allow me to say my gratitude, a simple celebration but its meaning is profound. Happy 180 years and hopefully God always blesses us all," he closed.