Thousands Of GKI Petrus Waena Congregants Join Easter Dawn Torch Parade 2026

Ria Sartika    Saturday, April 04, 2026    Comment   

Thousands Of GKI Petrus Waena Congregants Join Easter Dawn Torch Parade 2026

Thousands of GKI Petrus Waena congregants in Jayapura joined a dawn torch parade to celebrate Easter 2026, highlighting faith, unity, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jayapura, Papua — Thousands of congregants from the Evangelical Christian Church (GKI) Petrus Waena in Heram District, Jayapura City, Papua, took part in a dawn torch parade to commemorate Easter 2026 early Sunday morning.

The annual tradition carries deep spiritual meaning, reflecting on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ while strengthening the faith of the congregation.

The Head of the Church Assembly, Rudi Krebu, stated that the parade involved members from 12 service regions, also known as rayons.

“This Easter dawn torch parade is participated in by congregants from 12 rayons so that all members can experience the joy of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” he said in Jayapura.

Early Morning Procession Filled With Spiritual Atmosphere

The torch parade began at 3:00 AM local time. Congregants walked through their service areas while carrying lit torches and singing hymns.

The solemn atmosphere was highlighted by the glow of torches lighting up the dark streets, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness—one of the core meanings of Easter.

Notably, the participants were largely children and youth, reflecting strong engagement from the younger generation in preserving faith-based traditions.

After completing the route, the congregation returned to the church grounds to attend a thanksgiving Easter service.

Worship Activities Started The Night Before

Prior to the parade, congregants had already gathered at the church since 6:00 PM the previous evening for a spiritual revival service.

This series of activities served as spiritual preparation leading up to the peak of the Easter celebration.

Easter Message: Rise Above Challenges

According to Pastor Rudi Krebu, Easter 2026 holds special significance amid various ongoing social challenges.

He encouraged believers to embrace the meaning of Christ’s resurrection as motivation to rise above setbacks in spiritual, social, and economic aspects of life.

“May the resurrection of Christ truly impact the lives of believers, especially in strengthening faith to glorify God,” he added.

Safe And Orderly Celebration

In addition to GKI Petrus Waena, similar Easter dawn torch parades were held by various Christian congregations across Jayapura City.

The event, which took place from 3:00 AM to 6:00 AM, ran safely, peacefully, and filled with joy.

Strong community participation once again demonstrated the spirit of unity and harmony in Papua.

FAQ

1. What is the meaning of the Easter torch parade?
The torch parade symbolizes the light of Christ’s resurrection overcoming darkness and death.

2. What time did the parade start?
The parade began at around 3:00 AM local time.

3. Who participated in the event?
Congregants of all ages, including children, youth, and adults from multiple service regions.

4. Is this an annual tradition?
Yes, the Easter dawn torch parade is held every year.

5. What is the main message of Easter 2026?
Believers are encouraged to rise above challenges and strengthen their faith.

Idul Fitri 1447 H Celebration Lights Up Bundaran Gaforaya With Fireworks

Saputra Berry    Saturday, March 28, 2026    Comment   

Idul Fitri 1447 H Celebration Lights Up Bundaran Gaforaya With Fireworks

Thousands celebrate Idul Fitri 1447 H at Bundaran Gaforaya with fireworks and exciting activities for the community.

Thousands of residents flocked to Bundaran Gaforaya on the night of the Idul Fitri 1447 H celebration and fireworks show as part of the Gema Idulfitri event. Organized by the Kubu Raya Regency Government, the event was lively, solemn, and full of togetherness.

Since sunset, people from various areas arrived with their families and friends to celebrate the joyous moment following the Ramadan fasting. The atmosphere grew even more festive as the traditional bedug drum sounded, symbolizing the victory of Muslims, warmly welcomed by the enthusiastic crowd.

The event featured a series of religious and entertainment activities, from art performances and religious talks to the highlight fireworks display that illuminated the night sky over Kubu Raya.

Kubu Raya Regent, H. Sujiwo, expressed his gratitude to all community members, religious leaders, and Forkopimda officials who participated. He emphasized that the event was made possible largely through community and private sector support, with minimal use of local government funds.

“This event does not burden the regional budget, as most of it comes from contributions by the community and entrepreneurs,” Sujiwo said.

He also stated that Gema Idulfitri will become an annual agenda for Kubu Raya Regency, alongside other religious events such as torch parades, grand sholawat gatherings, and Islamic New Year celebrations.

Community appreciation also came from prominent figures, including Habibi, who thanked the Kubu Raya Government for organizing the event.

“We sincerely thank the Regent of Kubu Raya for holding this Gema Idulfitri event,” he said.

He noted that the celebration serves as an important moment to strengthen bonds and reinforce unity among the community.

Similarly, Habib Thoha bin Husein Al Jufri praised Gema Idulfitri as a positive event that promotes Islamic teachings while strengthening Islamic brotherhood.

“This event is excellent for fostering relationships and reinforcing communal ties,” he stated.

He also commended the collaboration between local government, religious leaders, and the community and hopes that similar events will continue annually.

The Kubu Raya Government remains committed to providing positive activities that involve the wider community, especially during major religious holidays. The celebration lasted into the night and concluded with a stunning fireworks show, greeted with cheers by the thousands gathered at Bundaran Gaforaya.