Could a church in Jakarta connect the Indonesian island of Nias to Germany? Gereja Banua Hina Keriso Protestan reveals exactly that story. This Protestant church, often called BNKP, isn’t just a place of worship. It represents a unique blend of cultures and a fascinating journey of faith. Gereja Banua Hina Keriso Protestan has spread its roots throughout Indonesia, from Medan to Jakarta, and even further. But its story begins on Nias, an island west of Sumatra.
In 1865, a German missionary named Ernst Ludwig Denninger arrived on Nias. He was sent by the Rheinische Missionsgesellschaft (RMG), initially from Kalimantan. He began sharing the Christian gospel with the local people. This date, September 27, 1865, is celebrated as “Yubelium BNKP” by the church. Gereja Banua Hina Keriso Protestan grew slowly at first. The first baptism didn’t occur until 1874. By 1890, only around 706 people had converted to Christianity.
The early 20th century brought a significant shift. With the arrival of the Dutch colonial government around 1900, the church’s growth accelerated. By 1915, the number of baptized Christians had risen to 20,000. A period of spiritual revival between 1915 and 1920 further propelled this growth, adding another 40,000 members in just five years. Gereja Banua Hina Keriso Protestan formally established its synod in 1936. A German missionary led the church until 1940. Subsequent revivals between 1938-1942 and 1945-1949 brought both continued growth and internal divisions. Despite these challenges, BNKP became the largest church on Nias, encompassing 60% of the population. This widespread presence made Gereja Banua Hina Keriso Protestan a significant force in shaping the island’s social and cultural landscape.
The name “Banua Niha Keriso Protestan” itself reflects the church’s role in uniting the people of Nias. It fostered a sense of shared identity through a common language and faith. The North Nias language became the language of the Bible and the church, with a complete Nias translation published in 1913. Today, Gereja Banua Hina Keriso Protestan continues to be a vibrant presence in Indonesia. It’s a church with a rich history, a testament to the enduring power of faith and the intertwining of cultures.