Editor’s Note
- Religious Institutions as Key Partners in Building Character and Social Harmony
- Synergy between Government and Religious Institutions
- Host of the UEM Asia Regional General Assembly
- North Sumatra, Indonesia’s Most Tolerant Province
Religious Institutions as Key Partners in Building Character and Social Harmony
North Sumatra (Sumut) Vice Governor Surya emphasized that religious institutions are the government’s most important partners in building community character and maintaining social harmony amidst diversity.
This role is considered highly strategic in supporting sustainable regional development.
Sumut Vice Governor Surya stated that churches and religious institutions play a crucial role in instilling values such as honesty, caring, hard work, and service.
“These values are essential for regional development,” Surya said during the regional meeting of the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) Asia in Sopo Godang HKBP Sudirman, Medan, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Synergy between government and religious institutions
The North Sumatra Provincial Government (Pemprov) also encourages synergy between the government and religious institutions. He stated that this is in line with the joint development vision of North Sumatra Berkah.
“This collaboration is important so that development is not only focused on physical infrastructure, but also on human development, social harmony, and ecological sustainability,” Surya said.
The North Sumatra Provincial Government is willing to support the creation of spaces for dialogue and cross-sectoral cooperation. Furthermore, the North Sumatra Provincial Government also supports the creation of a safe and conducive atmosphere during the event.
Organization of the UEM Regional Assembly Asia
Surya invited all participants of the Regional Assembly Asia to use the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen brotherhood, deepen faith reflection, and formulate relevant steps for service to churches and communities in Asia.
According to Surya, the choice of North Sumatra as the host country for the UEM Regional Assembly Asia was both fitting and meaningful.
Given North Sumatra’s rich culture, long history, and society accustomed to diversity,
“From cities to villages, we learn that differences do not mean distance, but rather strength,” Surya said.
Surya concluded that the UEM Regional Assembly Asia has yielded many benefits. From a spiritual perspective, this gathering has strengthened faith identity, expanded the church’s leadership capacity, and enriched contextual service methods.
“From a social perspective, this gathering has fostered genuine interfaith cooperation,” Surya said.
North Sumatra, Indonesia’s Most Tolerant Province
From an economic perspective, the presence of participants from various countries has undoubtedly had a positive impact on the local economy and opened up broader networks.
HKBP Ephorus Victor Tinambunan stated that North Sumatra is one of Indonesia’s most tolerant provinces. Therefore, he is confident that North Sumatra can offer the attending delegations a sense of comfort and peace of mind.
“We are confident that we will welcome the delegation because we are convinced that they will feel comfortable and at ease in Medan, North Sumatra,” said Victor. ***rel
