Before you stands Persekutuan Gereja Tionghoa Indonesia. It is a testament to unity and faith. The story of this organization is about more than just bricks and mortar. It is about a community coming together.
Persekutuan Gereja Tionghoa Indonesia is the Communion of Chinese Churches in Indonesia. It is known as PGTI. In Chinese it is YIN NI HUA REN JI DU JIAO HUI LIAN HUI. That is shortened to YIN HUA JI LIAN.
Imagine Jakarta in the late 1990s. A time of optimism met unexpected crisis. The international monetary crisis hit Asia hard. Indonesia faced social and economic turmoil. In this environment, leaders of Chinese churches in Jakarta saw a need. They needed unity and cooperation.
On November 11, 1997, several ministries and fellowships joined forces. They created the Indonesian Evangelical Church Service Center. It was called PPGII. This center was officially inaugurated on August 29, 1998. PPGII became the foundation for what you see today.
Over the next decade, PPGII grew. Its service branches spread across Indonesia. Driven by unity, brotherhood and prayer leaders sought to elevate PPGII. They wanted it to be a symbol of cooperation for Chinese churches nationwide.
On February 27, 2007, a significant decision was made. During the PPGII annual meeting, members voted to transform PPGII. It would become Persekutuan Gereja-Gereja Tionghoa di Indonesia. That is PGTI. This upgrade was a pivotal moment.
The Indonesian government recognized PGTI on August 1, 2007. This recognition came through a decree from the Ministry of Religion. It solidified PGTI’s role as a unifying body.
PGTI recognized the long history. Many Chinese churches existed before Indonesia’s independence in 1945. These churches welcomed all. They integrated into Indonesian society. PGTI aimed to strengthen unity and cooperation. It wanted to serve the nation.
PGTI extends its hand to all Chinese churches. It promotes serving various groups within society. This includes helping those in underdeveloped areas and disaster zones. The goal is to work together harmoniously. Each part of the body of Christ contributes. This creates great work for God’s glory.
Today Persekutuan Gereja Tionghoa Indonesia stands. It is a symbol of faith unity and service. It is a place where diverse congregations unite. They address the needs of Indonesia.