Governor Anies Inaugurates GBI Church Amanat Agung

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has inaugurated the Indonesian Bethel Church (GBI) Amanat Agung, on Thursday (4/29).

With BOTI, the government is here for all the needs of the religious community

After passing through a long process for 37 years, finally the church was completed this year, precisely at Jalan Bandengan Utara No 40, Penjaringan, North Jakarta.

He expressed his joy at the completion of the church, as the story of the congregation's journey for decades had become an important part of community life in Penjaringan.

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"This is a story about the presence of a place of worship that not only facilitates worship activities, but also facilitates harmony between residents around it. The motto of GBI here really touches all of us, which is no one should go hungry and feel deprived around the church environment," he expressed, as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release.

He added some time ago the Jakarta administration won the 2020 Harmony Award, where the indicator of its success was maintaining an attitude of tolerance among religious believers with high values. It was inseparable from Jakarta's efforts to equalize the level of needs for places of worship from various religions in Jakarta, by running the Operational Assistance for Places of Worship (BOTI) program since 2019.

"With BOTI, the government is here for all the needs of the religious community thus there will be a sense of trust among residents that we support each other. Thank you GBI that is part of the indicator in the success of Jakarta to win the award. Our common task is to maintain equality through concrete actions. To GBI, I hope this place provides an opportunity for the congregation to get closer to God and maintain good relations with others," he added.

GBI Amanat Agung Pastor, Johan Sunarto said the administration had proven itself to be the guardian of diversity and togetherness among its residents. He also appreciated Governor' visit that during Ramadan this year he could realize the inauguration of the GBI Amanat Agung.

"It is an honor and honor for us. While accompanied by Gus Miftah, the Governor can be present to prove that Jakarta is a city that is Bhinneka Tunggal Ika," he expressed.

"The city of Jakarta is diverse and upholds harmony between religious communities. We would like to thank the Governor and Gus Miftah who are pleased to come. Hopefully there will be togetherness today, thus the unity of the Jakarta people may continue to be realized," he exclaimed.

It was also attended by North Jakarta Mayor, Ali Maulana Hakim; FKUB Chairman, Wirta Amin Assalaf; Blora Regent, Arief Rohman; Education and Mental Spirituality Bureau Head, Muhammad Zen; Dandim 05/02/JU, Col. Inf Roynald Sumendap; North Jakarta Metro Police Resort Chief, Comr. Pol. Guruh Arif Darmawan; Gus Miftah; and PBNU General Secretary, Helmy Faisal Zaini.