For years, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Bekasi, like many other religious communities in Indonesia, longed for the assurance that their place of worship stood on secure, legally recognized ground. That dream became a reality when the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), Agus Harimuti Yudhoyono, handed over an electronic land certificate to the congregation.
"The legality of land for places of worship provides a sense of security for religious communities," Yudhoyono remarked as he presented the certificate at the National Land Agency Office of Bekasi Regency, marking a historic moment for the Adventist Church in Indonesia. This event is a critical step forward in the country's efforts to modernize land administration and ensure legal certainty for property owners, especially places of worship.
Many people, including the Adventist Church, have been eagerly awaiting the government's initiative to speed up land certification through digital technology. This advancement not only secures the physical land but also strengthens the foundation upon which communities of faith are built, enabling them to focus on their spiritual mission with confidence.
Key figures present at the handover ceremony included Pastor Benny Tambunan, pastor of the Bekasi Seventh-day Adventist Church, and church elders. Agus Manurung, Lifron Sinurat, Tigor Pakpahan, and Fernando Hutahayan, among others, from the Jakarta Conference office joined them. The Gereja Masehi Advent Hari Ketujuh - Uni Indonesia Kawasan Barat (GMAHK UIKB) Communication Team, who attended the event, described the atmosphere as one of profound joy and relief, particularly for the Adventist members in Bekasi who had endured challenges and uncertainties regarding their church property.
This milestone reflects the broader impact of legal land ownership on religious freedom in Indonesia. As churches like the Adventist Church in Bekasi receive official land certificates, they are empowered to continue their mission with greater confidence and security. The event underscores the value of legal certainty in promoting a stable and supportive environment for religious communities across the nation.
WIUM Communication Department
The original article is published on the West Indonesia Union Mission website.