MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution has called on churches to play a more active role in strengthening the faith and moral values of their congregations while supporting the government in tackling drug abuse. He believes the drug problem can only be addressed effectively through the involvement of all sections of society. Responsibility must not rest solely with law enforcement agencies but must also involve religious leaders, faith communities and church organisations.
Bobby made the appeal during celebrations marking the 78th anniversary of the Protestant Church in Western Indonesia (Gereja Protestan di Indonesia bagian Barat, GPIB) and the GPIB Immanuel Medan congregation. The event took place on Saturday, 31 October 2026, at the Alfa Omega building of GPIB Immanuel Church on Jalan Diponegoro, Medan.
On the occasion, Bobby emphasised that churches hold a strategically important position in fostering harmonious relations within society. Throughout its 78 years of service, he said, GPIB had not only provided religious services but had also made significant social contributions to the community and the development of North Sumatra Province.
"Looking at its contribution to history, GPIB has made a significant contribution over the past 78 years, not only to the city of Medan but also to North Sumatra Province. The pastor mentioned earlier that, because of its location on a main road, this church occupies a very strategic position. Looking at the building itself, the church has existed since the early years of the city's development. It is therefore an important part of the history and formation of North Sumatra Province, which is also 78 years old," he said.
Churches Face Challenges of Social Change
Bobby also discussed the changing challenges facing society amid rapid technological development. In his view, technological advances have made everyday activities easier but have also created new opportunities for negative influences that could undermine moral values and religious faith.
He said these developments required the collective attention of all sections of society. Particular emphasis, he added, should be placed on helping young people navigate changing times without abandoning their moral and spiritual principles. He therefore expressed hope that churches would continue to strengthen religious education and provide guidance to their congregations in everyday life.
"In the past, the challenges may have been different. Today, temptations and negative influences are becoming increasingly sophisticated alongside technological developments. This is precisely where the church's role is needed to continuously strengthen the faith and moral values of its congregation, including in everyday life," Bobby said.
He stressed that religious education played an important role in shaping society's character. Strong faith and sound moral values, he explained, could help families and their social environments become more resilient in facing various social problems.
Bobby also reminded the audience that social problems could not be addressed separately from collective responsibility. The government needed the support of the public and religious institutions to create a healthy and safe environment in which future generations could enjoy positive opportunities for development.
BOBBY NASUTION HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH AND MORAL VALUES: North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution emphasises the role of churches in strengthening the faith and moral values of their congregations to address the challenges of social change and the negative impacts of technological development. (PHOTO: Munawar Harahap)
Church and Government Join Forces Against Drugs
Alongside his call to strengthen religious education, Bobby specifically urged GPIB to take part in efforts to prevent and combat drug abuse across North Sumatra.
He expressed concern over the drug problem, which he said remained a serious challenge for the region. Bobby even stated that North Sumatra ranked first in terms of drug abuse prevalence. He therefore called on all sections of society to increase their vigilance and become actively involved in prevention efforts.
"Pastor, we would like to point out that North Sumatra ranks first when it comes to the drug problem. We must act together. The drug problem cannot be solved by law enforcement agencies alone. We must protect society by strengthening faith and moral values, and call on all sections of society to become directly involved in addressing this issue," he said.
In Bobby's view, law enforcement efforts must go hand in hand with preventive measures. These should include public education, stronger family support, the promotion of religious values and greater social responsibility. Religious leaders, he added, could help communicate anti-drug messages in ways that directly reach members of the community.
Churches also have opportunities to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs through worship services, guidance for young people and various social activities. Such initiatives could extend protection against drug abuse to families and communities on a broader scale.
On the same occasion, Bobby praised the positive relationship and cooperation established between the North Sumatra Provincial Government and GPIB. He expressed hope that the partnership would continue to grow, particularly in promoting
interfaith harmony, strengthening social cohesion and addressing shared social challenges.
As a gesture of appreciation for the GPIB Immanuel Medan congregation, Bobby also announced that the North Sumatra Provincial Government would renovate the church's fence to create a more uniform appearance.
"Earlier, we spoke with GPIB adviser Mr David Luther about creating a uniform design for the fence. I informed him that the North Sumatra Provincial Government would arrange for the church fence to be renovated in the near future," Bobby explained.
GPIB SEEKS TO BECOME A STRATEGIC GOVERNMENT PARTNER: Pastor Salmon Leatemia, chairman of the GPIB Immanuel Medan Congregation Council, outlines the church's readiness to support government initiatives and serve as a strategic partner in preserving social diversity and strengthening social cohesion. (PHOTO: Munawar Harahap)
GPIB Reaffirms Commitment to Social Diversity
Meanwhile, the chairman of the GPIB Immanuel Medan Congregation Council, Pastor Salmon Leatemia, said the church's 78-year history reflected its longstanding commitment to serving both its congregation and the wider community.
He explained that GPIB's history could be traced back to the Indische Kerk, which previously provided pastoral services to Dutch soldiers. Over time, the church adopted the name Protestant Church in Indonesia, known in Indonesian as Gereja Protestan di Indonesia (GPI).
As it developed, GPIB continued its work in religious education and church ministry for congregations across various regions. Today, there are 14 GPIB congregations in North Sumatra, actively providing religious and social services to the public.
Salmon emphasised that churches and the government shared a common responsibility, particularly in maintaining social diversity, strengthening unity and making tangible contributions to public welfare.
He also expressed his gratitude for the North Sumatra Governor's attendance at the anniversary celebration. In his view, the visit demonstrated the openness of relations between the government and religious communities in building an inclusive society.
"The Governor's presence feels like a warm embrace to us. It shows that the church and government can work together for society without allowing differences between people to become dividing lines. We are ready to support every initiative and serve as a strategic partner of the government in preserving social diversity," he said.
As part of the 78th anniversary celebrations, the organising committee also presented a feature called the Wall of Hope. It displayed various messages of congratulations and aspirations for GPIB's future development.
Bobby Nasution also signed the Wall of Hope as a gesture of support and recognition for GPIB's longstanding contribution. The symbolic gesture formed part of the anniversary celebrations and reinforced the importance of cooperation between the church, government and society.
The anniversary event was also attended by representatives of various government agencies and organisational units within the North Sumatra Provincial Government, pastors, congregation leaders and members of GPIB congregations from different parts of North Sumatra.
At the end of the event, the organising committee presented a commemorative plaque to
Bobby Nasution. A traditional tumpeng rice cone was then ceremonially cut to express gratitude for the church's 78 years of service.
The anniversary celebration also carried the hope that GPIB would continue to strengthen its religious ministry while expanding its contribution to society. Cooperation between religious institutions, the government and the public remains an important factor in maintaining social harmony, nurturing the character of younger generations and addressing the drug problem in North Sumatra collectively. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala