Listen closely. Ever wondered how a community finds its roots after displacement? GBKP Runggun Bida Ayu, Tj.Piayu’s story begins with relocation and resilience.
Let’s explore the history of GBKP Runggun Bida Ayu, Tj.Piayu. Its origins trace back to GBKP Pandan Wangi. GBKP Pandan Wangi was the first GBKP church on Batam Island established in 1991.
Authorities emptied the Pandan Wangi area to create a reservoir. Consequently the community including the church moved to Bida Ayu. Some members found the new location too far. These members from Bengkong, Batam Centre, Nagoya and Jodoh established a church near Crown Hill in Batam Centre.
The church in Tiban and others in Batam Centre later formed GBKP Runggun Tiban Batam. Batam Centre initially became Bajem Batam Centre under Runggun Tiban Batam.
In 1997 Bajem Batam Centre faced another setback. Authorities evicted them from their place near Crown Hill to build Politeknik Batam. The Otorita Batam provided temporary space in Gedung Resto Kediri Batam Centre for three months. During this time Pdt Rudy Sembiring and church leaders sought permanent land. They applied through BP Runggun Tiban and Yayasan Karya Kasih.
Eventually the Otorita Pengembangan Daerah Batam granted land to Yayasan Karya Kasih. It measured 2100 meters and was located by the main road to Dotamana Batam Centre. A semi-permanent building served as the church from 2001 to 2005. Later the authorities approved land for the church behind the Yayasan Karya Kasih site.
Given that most members lived in Nagoya, Bengkong, Baloi and Batam Centre leaders relocated the Dotamana land. The new location was behind Palm Spring Batam Centre. Despite needing substantial land filling the Otorita approved the move.
April 2005 marked a milestone. Pdt Iswan Ginting officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for GBKP Batam Centre. Construction progressed rapidly with strong community support. By late 2005 the church held Christmas services in the new building. It had a roof but no walls.
The congregation continued to build the church through regular offerings. These offerings happened every three months. During construction Pdt Iswan Ginting moved to Pekanbaru. Pdt Eben Eser Sembiring Pandia replaced him. He encouraged the congregation to continue building. Fundraising continued until Pdt Eben moved from Runggun Tiban.
Members of Bajem Batam Centre participated enthusiastically. Within two years construction reached 80 percent costing nearly Rp 2 billion. The congregation grew expanding its ministry.
GBKP Runggun Bida Ayu, Tj.Piayu officially became Runggun in April 2013. Pdt Larena br Sinuhadji began serving the newly established Runggun in June 2013.
GBKP Runggun Bida Ayu, Tj.Piayu stands as a testament to faith. It shows how a community overcame challenges. The church continues to develop its facilities. This includes parking and a multipurpose building. These improvements rely on the support of leaders and dedicated members.
Remember GBKP Runggun Bida Ayu. Its journey reflects resilience and community spirit. Its history is a story of overcoming obstacles through faith.