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The grave of Tobara Rinding Batu Pongkapadang, commemorating him as the first person baptized in the Kalumpang region in 1926. (Photo: EMS/Heidtmann)

According to GKSB records, the first baptism in Kalumpang took place in 1926 through the evangelistic ministry of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands East Indies (De Protestantsche Kerk in Nederlandsch-Indië) when Tobara Rinding Batu Pongkapadang (Toibalassi) and members of the Tamalea community embraced the Christian faith.

“We share your joy in seeing how the church has grown from those humble beginnings a century ago,” says Rev. Dr. Dieter Heidtmann, General Secretary of EMS. “We also rejoice that this story continues today through your witness and service. Thank you for carrying the gospel forward, serving as ambassadors of the love of Jesus Christ in your communities and beyond. As you celebrate this milestone, we send you our prayers and God's abundant blessing for the journey ahead.”

For GKSB, the centennial is both a celebration of faith and an opportunity to reflect on the profound changes the Gospel has brought to local communities over the past century. Church leaders point to advances in education, healthcare and social development, as well as the strengthening of interreligious coexistence in the mountainous region of West Sulawesi.

A moment to renew Christian commitment

The anniversary is expected to draw around 10,000 participants. The most prominent guest of honour expected on 31 October will be the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Further guests including members from all 16 GKSB classis, church leaders, traditional authorities, government representatives and international partners. On behalf of EMS, Vice President Rev. Junita and Rev. Dr. Djoko Wibowo, Head of the Indonesia Unit, will attend the celebrations.

The theme of the celebration is “We Walk in the Light of Life” (John 8:12).

“Celebrating 100 years of the Gospel in Kalumpang on Reformation Day reminds me that reformation is an ongoing journey,” says EMS Vice President Rev. Junita. “It is about giving thanks for the faith of those who came before us while courageously shaping the future God calls us to build. I see this spirit in GKSB’s dedication to children, investing in their education and opportunities despite many challenges. This is the heart of mission: the Gospel continues to take root and flourish through faithful service, even in the most remote places. Children are not only the church’s future; they are already a vital part of its life, hope, and witness. As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded that reformation invites us to nurture a future where the next generation can thrive in faith and purpose.”

Thanksgiving service and cultural performances

The programme includes a grand thanksgiving service, cultural performances, music and arts competitions, and an indigenous cultural festival showcasing traditional dances, regional songs and the renowned Sekomandi woven fabric (tenun ikat), which local advocates hope will gain recognition as a UNESCO cultural heritage treasure.

Among the highlights will be the inauguration of a monument commemorating the centenary of the Gospel in Kalumpang. Organisers also plan a symbolic tree-planting ceremony to underline the celebration’s message of growth, sustainability and hope for future generations.

For GKSB, the jubilee is more than a remembrance of the past. Church leaders describe it as a moment to renew Christian commitment, strengthen unity among communities and celebrate a century of faith that continues to shape life in Kalumpang today.