PTFI celebrates Easter by bringing the peace of Christ into families and workplaces
21 April 2025
The Ecumenical Christian community from five church denominations gathered in Tembagapura to celebrate Easter, carrying the theme set by the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI): “The Peace of Christ within the Family”. This theme invites Christians to reflect on how the peace brought by Christ can be present in family life and in the surrounding community.
Octavianus Erari, Chairperson of the PTFI Highland Easter 2025 Committee, emphasized that the family is the foundation of faith. “Let us celebrate this Easter with hearts full of joy and hope,” he said.
A series of events was organized to welcome Easter in the highlands, starting with the “Fellowship Night”, which served as the opening service for the PTFI Ecumenical Easter celebration. The service was held at Sion Church in Tembagapura, with Evangelist Jim Yost, a missionary who has served in Papua for over 40 years.
In addition, the “Diakonia in Banti” program added to the spirit of Easter this year. Through an outreach of love to the community of Waa Banti village and its surrounding areas, the committee and the locals held a thanksgiving service at Banti Church Community. During the event, food supplies, Easter parcels, and care packages were distributed to the community.
The festivities continued with the lively Easter Festival "Café Harmony", held at the Tembagapura Sporthall. The event featured a screening of the Easter-themed film “The Last Supper”, live Christian music, and a food and beverage bazaar. A warm and joyful atmosphere filled every part of the celebration, beautifully reflecting the living spirit of Easter within the community.
Celebration of Jesus’ resurrection began with a torch parade around the city, a tradition that has been upheld for over 30 years at the Jobsite. Although a light drizzle fell over Tembagapura, the community continued the parade with unwavering enthusiasm and joy as an expression of faith Christ’s resurrection. Following the torch parade, the celebration continued with the Easter sunrise service and the Ecumenical Children’s Easter program, held at the Tembagapura soccer field.
Ending the series of easter Celebration in Highland, Rev. Jacklevyn Manuputty, in his sermon at Easter celebration night reminded the congregation to follow the example of the risen Christ, not only as a sign of victory over death but also as a source of peace for the world. He emphasized the vital role of spiritual leaders in being bearers of peace, guiding, supporting, and accompanying the faithful in daily life so that Christ’s peace could be truly present in society.
The evening was made even more festive with musical performances and worship led by Jemimah Cita, Marsya Maspaitella, and Clarissa Dewi, accompanied by the Bestindo Music Band. The celebration also featured performances by the Ecumenical Children's Choir, the GKI Choir, and The Little Stars.
Russel Pongbulaan, Chair of the Highland BAMAG (Interchurch Relations), encouraged the people to become agents of peace, not only within their families but also in their workplaces and communities. "Let us spread the peace of Christ in every aspect of our lives," Russel said.
Carl R. Tauran, Executive Vice President-Site Operations and Technical Mine Manager at PTFI, reminded everyone of the importance of Christ’s peace both at home and in the workplace. "I want to 'challenge' all of us to bring the peace and joy of Christ to our workplaces. We have worshiped well today; now let us carry that spirit of worship into our work. God bless us all, and God bless PTFI," Carl concluded.
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