From 2 to 5 October, Indonesian EMS member churches and project partners met in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, for their annual Regional Forum. The host this year was the Protestant Church in Southeast Sulawesi (GEPSULTRA).

Discussions centered on ways to strengthen collaboration within Indonesia. Many forms of cooperation are already underway, such as disaster preparedness and the development of joint confirmation class curricula. One visible outcome of this work celebrated in Kendari was the new children’s workbook You+Me: Let’s Care for God’s Creation, developed in close collaboration with congregations from across Indonesia. EMS General Secretary Rev. Dr Dieter Heidtmann presented the first copies in Indonesian to children attending the forum.

In his opening address, GEPSULTRA President Rev. Marthen Sambira emphasised how much closer the churches have grown in recent years: ‘In many ways, we are already supporting and accompanying one another in the ongoing development of our congregations.’

The international importance of the forum was also highlighted. EMS Vice President Rev. Junita conveyed greetings from the global EMS community and acknowledged the pioneering role of the Indonesian churches: “The Regional Forum in Indonesia has become a model for strengthening cooperation in other EMS regions. It shows what lived solidarity looks like in practice.”

Once again, the Regional Forum proved to be a vital platform for exchange, networking and mutual learning, with a focus on the practical needs of local communities.