The assistance has been provided to eight national church fellowship organizations, three regional representatives of church organizations, seven synods, and 50 local churches spread across various regions in Indonesia, including remote areas.
The ministry's Director General of Christian Community Development Jeane Marie Tulung here Friday echoed the government's hopes that the program would help churches to function as places of worship and centers of social activities that bolster ties.
She noted that the initiative is part of the government's strategic policies in supporting the freedom of religion across Indonesia.
"This program brings significant benefits to churches, enabling them to improve and expand church-based social activities. This assistance is also expected to encourage the congregation's involvement in social services," she remarked.
She expressed hope that the initiative would bolster harmony between religious communities and strengthen relations between citizens, thereby supporting unity and tolerance amid religious diversity in Indonesia.
Through the assistance, churches in various regions have support to improve their operations. Apart from that, Christian communities in Indonesia can have better access to decent places of worship.
"This assistance is an important part of the government's policies to support freedom of religion and bolster the role of places of worship in the society," she remarked.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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