Jakarta. The congregation of the Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP) held a communal prayer for environmental care titled “Save Lake Toba and the Batak Land” at the Proclamation Monument -- or Tugu Proklamasi -- in Central Jakarta on Monday.

The prayer was attended by congregants from Jakarta, Bekasi, Depok, Bogor, Sukabumi, and Banten.

Led by the Ompui Ephorus, the highest leader of HKBP, thousands of congregants gathered at the office of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia on Salemba Raya, Central Jakarta, and then conducted a long march to the Proclamation Monument at 6:00 a.m.

They were seen wearing shirts with the words “Shut Down TPL” and carrying various signs demanding the closure of Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL), which is accused of causing environmental damage, polluting Lake Toba, and violating the rights of Indigenous communities.

The event continued with a worship service led by three pastors who delivered messages about environmental stewardship, referencing Genesis 2:15, that the Earth inhabited by humans must be cared for and maintained like the Garden of Eden.

Several symbolic rituals were carried out by representatives of different groups, including touching the soil, dripping water, planting trees, and lighting candles. These acts were intended to voice unwavering hope amid the darkness of the ecological crisis, particularly in Lake Toba and the Batak Land.

The communal prayer event also featured speeches and a declaration delivered by the Head of the Committee, Sintua, before thousands of congregants and community members in attendance. The public was urged to demand the immediate shutdown of TPL in order to protect and preserve the environment. At its core, the event aimed to rally the community to prevent irresponsible parties from destroying and polluting nature.

HKBP and the committee also expressed support for President Prabowo Subianto’s programs, especially in the green economy sector.

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