JAYAPURA – Papua Deputy Governor Aryoko Rumaropen, accompanied by heads of regional government agencies, conducted a direct review of the construction of the GKI Lembah Yordan Church building located in Emereuw, Jayapura City. (May 6)

The review reflects the Papua Provincial Government's attention to the development of houses of worship, while also ensuring that the construction process runs well and provides benefits to the community.

In his statement, the Papua Deputy Governor said that support for the construction of houses of worship, including churches, is part of the regional government's commitment, while still considering the region's fiscal capacity and applicable regulations.

"The Papua Provincial Government pays attention to the construction of houses of worship, including GKI Lembah Yordan. Support will be adjusted to the region's fiscal capacity and applicable regulations. We also encourage this development to continue involving the local customary community so that it can proceed optimally and be completed properly," the Deputy Governor said.

Furthermore, the Deputy Governor emphasized that supporting infrastructure, such as road access, drainage, and flood-retaining walls, can be submitted to the Papua Provincial Government for further review and follow-up according to the respective authority of the Papua Provincial Government and the Jayapura City Government.

Meanwhile, the Chair of the Church Building Construction Committee, Jeri A. Yudianto, together with the Chair of the Congregation Council and members of the congregation, said the church construction has been underway for approximately six years since 2020 and is still in the completion process.

He expressed great hope that the construction would receive support from the Papua Provincial Government, considering the longing of more than 1,000 GKI congregation members in Lembah Yordan to have a representative church building.

"We sincerely hope for support from the Papua Provincial Government so that the construction of this church can be completed soon. This is a great hope for our congregation. We also express our appreciation and gratitude to the Deputy Governor, who, despite his busy schedule, was willing to directly review the construction of this church," he said.

Through this visit, the Papua Provincial Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of religious facilities and strengthening synergy among the government, the community, and religious institutions in realizing inclusive and sustainable development in Papua Province. ***