Tuesday, 06. October 2026
EMS Regional Forum, Indonesia:
“Together as Ambassadors of Hope”
From 1 to 4 October 2026, the Indonesian member churches and project partners of the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS) met in Tobelo in the North Moluccas. The Regional Forum was hosted by the Evangelical Church of Halmahera (GMIH).
The meeting focused on discussions regarding the strategic development of the EMS over the next six years, a joint policy on handling applications for membership from Indonesia, and considerations on strengthening joint activities.
The EMS churches and project partners unanimously endorsed the draft of the new EMS Agenda 2026–31, ‘Ambassadors of Hope’. This agenda envisages deepening the EMS community, greater grassroots participation and strengthening the EMS’s missionary profile. Together with the other member organisations and mission societies within EMS, the Indonesian members aim to act as ‘Ambassadors of Hope’ for local people and the society as a whole. On behalf of the participants, Rev. Marthen Sambira of the EMS International Mission Council emphasised the strong bonds of unity and solidarity amongst EMS members. He highlighted the importance of the churches’ role as ambassadors of reconciliation and peace amidst the diverse challenges of our time.
The EMS member churches and partner organisations also discussed expanding the EMS’s representation in Indonesia. They are committed to strengthening the EMS’s presence in Indonesia. The International Mission Council will decide on this proposal at its next meeting.
Unity of churches sends out an important message
The EMS Regional Forum highlighted just how closely the EMS member churches in Indonesia have grown together. The churches support one another in their programmes for a child-friendly church, in project management, in the further training of doctors and with the secondment of pastors. Rev. Junita, Vice-President of EMS, expressed her appreciation for the close cooperation between the churches: “This unity sends an important message to today’s world.”
The Christian Evangelical Church in Halmahera (GMIH) provided a festive setting for the conference. The opening service took place at the Imanuel Gamsungi Church in Tobelo and was characterised by local cultural traditions. All participants and delegation leaders wore traditional dress from their respective regions. The atmosphere of the service was enriched by traditional music performed by the GMIH Faculty of Theology, featuring instruments crafted by the Chairman of the GMIH Synod himself.
The President of the GMIH, Rev. Dr Demianus Ice, expressed his gratitude for the church delegation’s visit to Halmahera: “It is with great joy that we welcome all church leaders and all participants. In keeping with the theme of our forum, ‘Hope’, we pray that this forum will both embody and strengthen the GMIH’s efforts towards unity.” He expressed his special thanks to the Head of the Indonesia Department, Rev. Dr Djoko Wibowo, for his support of the reconciliation process within the GMIH.
Wounds of the past, hope for tomorrow
As part of the conference, the participants visited a memorial to the victims of the attacks on the Christian congregations in Halmahera 25 years ago. Conversations with the victims’ relatives made it clear how deep the pain over these events still remains today.
The delegation also visited the graves of Hendrik van Dijken and Maria Sonpiet. The missionary couple are honoured in the church in Halmahera for having brought the Gospel to the Moluccas.
The future of the churches in Indonesia is reflected in the EMS project of a children’s library, which was set up last year in the congregation originally founded by the van Dijkens. The children enthusiastically showed the delegates their very own ‘children’s house’. And their clasped hands signify: ‘Together we are strong!’