Inaugurating Two Churches, Governor Anies: This City must Be Equal in All Aspects

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan inaugurated the construction of two churches in North Jakarta by signing inscriptions at each location.

It can be an example and an illustration of how we can live together and be united

The two churches are Indonesian Bethel Church (GBI) Jelambar Timur in Penjaringan and Indonesian Pentecostal church (GPdI) Jemaat Yordan Gading Griya Lestari in Cilincing.

In its inauguration, the Governor said that Jakarta is the node of all elements in Indonesia, thus the sense of unity must be strengthened, especially in collaboration to build houses of worship.

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He emphasized an attitude of mutual tolerance thus every equality between religious believers could be realized well, organized, and managed in Jakarta.

"It can be an example and an illustration of how we can live together and be united. To achieve the unity and integrity of Indonesia, every individual must practice an attitude of tolerance and an attitude of equality in all aspects. Then, there will be a sense of justice, thus it will create a sense of unity. In the end, we also want this union to be sustainable," he expressed, as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release, Sunday (9/4).

He hoped that the congregations of the GBI Jelambar Timur and GPdI Jemaat Jordan Gading Griya Lestari could be significantly involved in the unity and integrity of the nation.

Besides providing a sense of equality in worship, it was also expected to create the spirit of the congregation who is growing and motivated to do good.

"Hopefully, these churches can become a place that is felt useful for the surrounding environment. We also express our appreciation to all parties involved in the church construction in accordance with applicable regulations," he explained.

"This is important to maintain harmony with the surrounding environment and spatial planning of Jakarta. Thus, it is able to maintain inter-religious harmony, as well as add more peace and shade to Jakarta," he concluded.

As for the information, the GBI Felambar Timur construction was realized independently by the congregation, while the GPdI Jemaat Yordan Gading Griya Lestari was from self-help congregations and Jakarta Provincial Government Grants amounting to Rp 250,000,000.

The inauguration itself was witnessed by People's Welfare Assistant, Uus Kuswanto; North Jakarta Mayor, Ali Maulana Hakim; Jakarta Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) Chairman, Dede Rosyada; as well as ranks of Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) and public figures in North Jakarta.