Right here stands HKBP Kapuk a beacon of faith. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Batak Christian community in Jakarta. This church is more than just a building. It is a vibrant center of culture and spirituality.
The story of HKBP Kapuk is deeply intertwined with the history of the Batak people in Indonesia. In the early 20th century many Batak people migrated to Batavia now Jakarta seeking work and educational opportunities. By 1917 about 30 Batak Christians resided in the city.
These early migrants felt a strong desire to worship together in their own tradition. They initially gathered at the Hollandsch-Inlandsche School in Kwitang. This Dutch school for native Indonesians became their temporary sanctuary.
November 20 1919 marked a pivotal moment. The first Batak church service was held on Jl Kernolong 37 now Jl Kramat IV. This humble gathering signified the birth of HKBP Jakarta. It was the first Batak church in Jakarta and Java.
The establishment of HKBP Jakarta showcased the Batak people’s strong communal bonds. It also demonstrated their ability to integrate with the wider Jakarta community. Gereformeerde Kerk now Indonesian Christian Church GKI Kwitang played a crucial role. Minister L Tiemersma even helped provide a salary for HKBP’s first minister Mula Nainggolan in 1922.
HKBP’s history goes back further. Protestant missionaries first tried reaching the Batak highlands in the 1820s and 1830s. English and American Baptist preachers made initial attempts. However they did not succeed.
Later Franz Wilhelm Junghuhn and Herman Neubronner van der Tuuk conducted research on Batak language and culture in the 1840s. In 1861 German Rhenish Missionary Society RMG missionaries made a new attempt. That year the first Bataks were baptized.
Ludwig Ingwer Nommensen from RMG arrived in 1864. He founded Huta Dame a village of peace in North Tapanuli Regency. Nommensen and local leaders blended local custom with Christian belief.
A seminary for teachers opened in Sipirok in 1868. Another seminary for preachers was built in Pansurnapitu in 1877. In 1881 Nommensen became the “ephorus” of the Batak congregations. The first Batak ministers were ordained in Pearaja Tarutung in 1885.
HKBP grew to become one of the largest Protestant churches in Indonesia. Its influence spread throughout Southeast Asia. Today HKBP has churches in Singapore Malaysia the United States and of course right here HKBP Kapuk in Jakarta.
HKBP is also open to other ethnic groups. This reflects its inclusive nature. The church is a member of various ecumenical organizations including the World Council of Churches and the Lutheran World Federation.
HKBP uses an Ecumenical worship style. It is influenced by the Dutch Reformed Church and the Rhenish Missionary Society. The church’s liturgical book is known as the “Agenda”.
As you stand here consider the journey of faith and community. HKBP Kapuk embodies the spirit of the Batak people. It is an oasis of culture and spirituality in the heart of Jakarta.