Communication and media leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church gathered in Jakarta-Banten for a Communication Advisory supporting the newly reorganized regional offices of the Central Indonesia and the West Indonesia. Hosted by the Adventist Church in Jakarta-Banten, the advisory took place in a predominantly Muslim region, underscoring the Church’s commitment to contextualized mission and respectful engagement through communication.
The advisory brought together communication and media leaders from across the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, alongside representatives from Hope Channel and Adventist World Radio. Fourteen communication leaders from Central and West Indonesia attended, including eight newly installed communication directors who are assuming the responsibility of shaping the Church’s voice in their respective regions.
Organizers said the gathering served as a critical direction-setting platform for the next five years of communication ministry, ensuring that departmental initiatives align with both regional priorities and the global mission of the Church.
“This advisory is not just an orientation; it is a mission alignment,” said Pastor Ronnie Panambunan, communication director of the regional office in Central Indonesia. “We are helping our newly reorganized unions understand how communication supports the gospel mandate and how their work fits into the larger movement of the world church.”
A central focus of the advisory was the introduction and discussion of the Global Church’s I Will Go Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2030. Participants examined how communication ministries can actively support the plan’s mission objectives by making the message of salvation accessible, relevant, and visible across diverse cultural and religious contexts.
The advisory also promoted the OneVoice27 initiative, which calls for unified messaging and broad member involvement in sharing God’s message. Leaders emphasized that communication is not limited to professionals but is a shared responsibility of church members, institutions, and media ministries working together with a common purpose.
“Communication is about mobilization,” said Pastor Sonny Situmorang, communication director of the regional office in West Indonesia. “This advisory helped us see that our role is not only to report activities but to inspire participation and make the mission understandable and approachable for the communities we serve.”
Participants also discussed the Southern Asia-Pacific Division’s regional response to the I Will Go initiative, known as Mission REAPS. Leaders reviewed the five-phase framework, which includes Mission REACH26, Mission EXPAND OneVoice27, Mission ADVANCE28, Mission PROCLAIM29, and Mission SEEK SAVE DISCIPLE30. The division highlighted its role in leading the global church in Mission REACH for 2026, with communication playing a key role in visibility, engagement, and storytelling.
“The REAPS framework gives or communication leaders a clear, faith-driven roadmap,” said Pastor Carlito Quidet, SSD communication director. “As communicators, we are entrusted with telling the stories of how God is working through each phase and helping members see themselves as part of that journey.”
Sessions during the advisory also equipped participants with an overview of the Church’s Digital Strategy for Mission, emphasizing responsible, intentional, and mission-focused use of digital platforms. Leaders discussed how digital media can bridge gaps, build trust, and share hope, particularly in regions where the Church is a minority.
Holding the advisory in Jakarta-Banten carried symbolic and practical significance, leaders noted, as it reflected the Church’s presence and witness in a Muslim-majority context. Participants emphasized the importance of sensitivity, accuracy, and Christ-centered storytelling in such environments.
Church leaders expressed confidence that the advisory has strengthened collaboration, clarified mission priorities, and equipped communication directors to serve effectively in their new roles. As the newly reorganized unions move forward, leaders said communication will remain a vital instrument in documenting God’s work, inspiring participation, and advancing the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Indonesia and beyond.