Perhaps, like many others here today, you’re drawn to the HKBP Tanjung Priok Timur by its promise of community and spiritual growth. The HKBP Tanjung Priok Timur stands as a testament to faith in the heart of Jakarta. This house of worship is located on Jl. Cermei No. 17. It is in the Komp. TNI-AL Cakrawala II. HKBP Tanjung Priok Timur is more than just a building. It is a vibrant center for the Batak Christian Protestant community.
But how did this church become such an integral part of Jakarta’s religious landscape? To understand that, we need to delve into the story of the HKBP itself. HKBP stands for Huria Kristen Batak Protestan. The HKBP District VIII Jakarta oversees 81 churches. These churches include the HKBP Tanjung Priok Timur. The district encompasses 54 resorts and one preparation resort. In 2023, the District VIII Jakarta had 147,874 members.
The church is part of a larger story. The story is the HKBP District VIII DKI Jakarta. This district serves the Special Capital Region of Jakarta. It has a significant number of congregations. Rawamangun Resort is the largest. Diaspora Resort is the smallest.
Now, let’s focus on the HKBP Tanjung Priok. It is part of the Tanjung Priok Timur Resort. The full address is Komp. TNI-AL Cakrawala II, Jl. Cermei, No. 17, Kel. Lagoa, Kec. Koja, Jakarta Utara. This is in the postal code 14270. The leading pastors here are Pdt. Simon Petra Sihombing and Pdt. Daniel Pantun Lamtogu Datubara.
The HKBP Tanjung Priok itself has a rich history. In 2021, the HKBP Tanjung Priok celebrated its 70th anniversary. The anniversary celebration included a thanksgiving service. Pdt Bernard Manik, led the service. The theme was “This is the day the Lord has made”. It encouraged rejoicing and gladness. The church also marked the occasion with a harvest festival.
During the 70th-anniversary celebration, the church reported its history. The HKBP Tanjung Priok was founded on July 1, 1951. A new parsonage was built to commemorate the anniversary.
Despite the pandemic, the congregation showed great enthusiasm. They raised Rp. 980,000,000 through offerings and donations. The certificate for the parsonage was presented to Pdt. Bernard Manik. This symbolized the church’s ownership.
HKBP Tanjung Priok Timur continues to be a vital spiritual hub. It is part of a large and active district. It is a place where faith and community intertwine. As we stand here, let us reflect on the enduring spirit of this congregation. Let us remember its contributions to Jakarta’s spiritual tapestry.