Doesn’t the name GPdI IMMANUEL Sukapura sound significant? It reflects a church with a story of challenges and faith. GPdI IMMANUEL Sukapura is a house of worship in Jakarta Utara. It became the center of a debate over its establishment.
In 2025, a team from BRIN visited Kakankemang Kota Jakarta Utara. They sought information about the church’s planned construction. Yobei Andreas Parulian, a member of the building committee, reported the IMB process. The report was made through the “Lapor Mas Wapres” program. It concerned building permit issues.
The church had applied for an IMB to get the needed recommendations. Of the 22 requirements, two remained unfulfilled. These were recommendations from FKUB and validation from the Lurah. These were lacking because of local residents’ objections.
BRIN’s team gathered information from various sources. These sources included the Ministry of Religion. They also spoke with religious organizations, community leaders, and church representatives. The goal was to understand the application process for GPdI IMMANUEL. They wanted to know what steps Kankemenag city had taken.
Kankemenag clarified that the recommendation process was stalled. The church hadn’t met a critical requirement. They needed approval from at least 60 local residents. Mawardi stated that residents opposed the church’s construction in their residential complex. Regulations state that church construction requires this approval. This is per PBM no 9 and 8 of 2006.
Mawardi emphasized that recommendations wouldn’t be given until the requirements were met. Verga Sari added that the community’s rejection was under investigation. The community lived in housing owned by Pelindo. This issue brought the Badan Riset Dan Inovasi Nasional into the matter.
GPdI IMMANUEL Sukapura’s journey highlights the complexities. Establishing a place of worship involves navigating regulations. It also involves community considerations. The story of GPdI IMMANUEL Sukapura is a testament to faith. It shows persistence in the face of obstacles.