The Adventist Family Ministries (AFM) of two Indonesia unions, West Indonesia (WIUM) and East Indonesia (EIUC), successfully organized the Bi-Union Couple’s Convention from May 25 to 28, 2025, at The Rich Jogja Hotel, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. With the theme “Cherish the Love,” the event brought together a total of 203 couples, comprising 45 from EIUC and 158 from WIUM. The convention served as a meaningful platform to affirm God as the foundation of marriage, and during the workshops, increase intimacy and communication between spouses, and to learn from other Christian couples.
Featuring a lineup of long-married speaker/couples, the Convention was opened by Virginia Baloyo, SSD-AFM Director. “Why Christian Marriage is Very Good,” she said, is because of the presence of God in the hearts of the couples. She also encouraged them to embrace and appreciate their differences, as well as understand each other’s unique needs. Her husband, Pastor Rudy Baloyo, retired Executive Secretary of SSD, spoke on “Keeping the Love Alive Even in a Long Marriage.” Secondly, he spoke about “Balancing Work and Family,” thus addressing the challenges working couples face on sustaining love over time, especially those with young children.
Pastor Edgar W. M. Tauran, Vice President for Student Affairs at Klabat University, together with Grace Tauran, AFM Director in EIUC, presented the topic of Family Finance, offering practical guidance on managing household finances wisely. Two husband-and-wife teams from Bandung Adventist Hospital also graced the Conference with their presentations. Drs. Alvin and Grace Rantung spoke candidly on “Sexuality for Young and Old Couples,” highlighting the role of intimacy in marital health. Meanwhile, Dr. Roy David Sarumpaet, with his wife, Lasma, shared insights on “Communication and Conflict Management,” equipping couples with tools for effective dialogue and resolution.
Mrs. Baloyo appreciated the cooperation of mission/conference family ministries directors, pastoral couples, and lay couples. “This is one of the biggest marriage seminars. We would like so much to see many marriages being built, refreshed, and feeling ‘the sparks’ again,” she added. Further, she encouraged everyone to be AFM advocates and missionary couples supporting others in their marital journey with God by sharing the SSD AFM Harvest 2025 Hope for Families Evangelism material using the Home and Family Course.
The significance of holding such a convention becomes even more evident in light of Indonesia’s rising family challenges. According to data from Indonesia’s Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), over 447,000 divorce cases were filed across the country in 2022 alone, with the majority citing economic stress and disharmony as the primary reasons for marital breakdowns. The situation is equally concerning in both West and East Indonesia, where rapid urbanization and shifting family dynamics often strain traditional family values. Programs like the Bi-Union Couple’s Convention are timely and necessary, offering biblical and practical guidance to strengthen marital bonds, nurture resilience in relationships, and remind couples that love, when anchored in Christ, can withstand the test of time and trials.
Highlighting the Jogja event was the Marriage Vow Reaffirmation Ceremony, graced with a video message of commitment by GC AFM Directors Willie and Elaine Oliver. With subtitles in Bahasa, the Olivers reminded every couple to be personally dedicated and committed for life. This resonated well with attendees; they broke into a big applause of appreciation after the tandem’s dedicatory prayer. This meaningful moment served as a reminder of their sacred commitment, with the prayer that—by God’s grace and help—these vows will be faithfully upheld until death do them part.