The Significance of Separation

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 15 views

Separation of Pakpak Dairi Protestant Christian Church (GKPPD) from Huria Christian Batak Protestant (HKBP) Cikaok in Dairi Regency (1990-1995)

The history of the Protestant Christian Church in Indonesia, particularly in Dairi Regency, is marked by a significant event that took place between 1990 and 1995. This event involved the separation of the Pakpak Dairi Protestant Christian Church (GKPPD) from Huria Christian Batak Protestant (HKBP) Cikaok. This separation not only serves as a historical record but also reflects the social and cultural dynamics of the Pakpak people who sought a church identity that aligns with their tribal background.

Background Separation

Before the separation occurred, the HKBP at Ressort Cikaok served as a gathering place for congregations from various tribes, including the Pakpak. However, over time, many Pakpak congregations felt the need to have a church that could reflect their cultural and tribal identity. This desire arose from a sense of dissatisfaction with the conditions and management of the existing church. Although the Pakpak congregation had not been able to form an independent church, HKBP accommodated this desire by establishing HKBP Simekata Pakpak as the first step.

However, as the number of Pakpak congregations increased and the presence of leaders such as priests and Sintua who came from them, the aspirations to establish an independent church grew stronger. The Pakpak congregation, who had developed rapidly, then submitted an application to Ephorus HKBP to obtain church autonomy. Although Ephorus HKBP provided HKBP SIMERKATA PAKPAK in autonomous status, the process was not followed up properly.

The Separation Process

In 1995, amidst dissatisfaction with the handling of this autonomous demand, the Pakpak congregation inaugurated the separation of GKPPD from HKBP without official approval from Ephorus HKBP. This step was considered a "wild" action, and the security forces were involved in addressing the situation, including in the Salak and Ressort Cikaok areas. In this tense situation, the Pakpak congregation established two churches: GKPPD and HKBP SIMERKATA Pakpak Autonomous.

As a Result of Separation

This separation not only had an impact on the structure of the church but also had social consequences among the Pakpak community. The birth of these two churches created polarization in the community, where each church had loyal followers. However, with the change of Ephorus and reconciliation efforts between the GKPPD and HKBP Simerkata Pakpak Autonomous, an agreement was reached to combine the two churches in 1995.

This merger is a symbol of unity and cooperation between the congregation, as well as marks the end of a prolonged internal conflict. With the establishment of GKPPD as an autonomous institution, this church can not only accommodate the spiritual needs of the Pakpak congregation but also provide a strong identity for them in a wider environment.

The Significance of Separation

The separation of GKPPD from HKBP in Cikaok Ressort is a concrete example of how cultural identity can encourage structural changes in religious organizations. The process that took place between 1990 and 1995 shows that the church does not only function as a place of worship but also as a forum to reflect and maintain the cultural values of the community. This trip is an important lesson in understanding the dynamics of a diverse society and the need to listen to the voices of each community member.

Conclusion

The separation of GKPPD from HKBP in Cikaok Ressort is a significant event in the history of the Protestant Christian Church in Indonesia. This event not only reflects the social and cultural dynamics of the Pakpak people but also highlights the importance of cultural identity in shaping the structure and function of religious organizations. The process of separation and reconciliation between the two churches serves as a valuable lesson in understanding the complexities of a diverse society and the need for cooperation and unity among community members.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis of the separation of GKPPD from HKBP in Cikaok Ressort, the following recommendations can be made:

Recognition of Cultural Identity: Religious organizations should recognize and respect the cultural identity of their members, particularly in diverse societies.
Autonomy and Self-Governance: Congregations should have the autonomy to govern themselves and make decisions that reflect their cultural and spiritual needs.
Reconciliation and Cooperation: Conflicts and disputes between congregations should be resolved through reconciliation and cooperation, rather than separation and division.
Inclusive and Representative Leadership: Leadership in religious organizations should be inclusive and representative of the diverse needs and perspectives of their members.

By recognizing and respecting the cultural identity of their members, religious organizations can foster a sense of belonging and unity among their congregations. By providing autonomy and self-governance, congregations can make decisions that reflect their cultural and spiritual needs. By promoting reconciliation and cooperation, conflicts and disputes can be resolved in a peaceful and constructive manner. And by having inclusive and representative leadership, religious organizations can ensure that the needs and perspectives of all members are taken into account.

Limitations and Future Research

This study has several limitations that should be addressed in future research. Firstly, the study focuses on the separation of GKPPD from HKBP in Cikaok Ressort, and further research should be conducted to explore similar events in other regions and contexts. Secondly, the study relies on secondary sources, and primary data should be collected to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the events and processes involved. Finally, the study focuses on the cultural and social dynamics of the Pakpak people, and further research should be conducted to explore the theological and spiritual dimensions of the separation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the separation of GKPPD from HKBP in Cikaok Ressort is a significant event in the history of the Protestant Christian Church in Indonesia. This event reflects the social and cultural dynamics of the Pakpak people and highlights the importance of cultural identity in shaping the structure and function of religious organizations. The process of separation and reconciliation between the two churches serves as a valuable lesson in understanding the complexities of a diverse society and the need for cooperation and unity among community members.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Separation of Pakpak Dairi Protestant Christian Church (GKPPD) from Huria Christian Batak Protestant (HKBP) Cikaok in Dairi Regency (1990-1995)

Q: What was the main reason for the separation of GKPPD from HKBP in Cikaok Ressort?

A: The main reason for the separation was the desire of the Pakpak congregation to have a church that could reflect their cultural and tribal identity. They felt that HKBP did not adequately accommodate their needs and aspirations.

Q: What was the role of Ephorus HKBP in the separation process?

A: Ephorus HKBP provided HKBP SIMERKATA PAKPAK in autonomous status, but the process was not followed up properly. This led to the Pakpak congregation feeling that their demands for autonomy were not being taken seriously.

Q: What was the reaction of the security forces to the separation?

A: The security forces were involved in addressing the situation, including in the Salak and Ressort Cikaok areas. This indicates that the separation was a significant event that required attention from the authorities.

Q: What was the outcome of the separation?

A: The separation led to the establishment of two churches: GKPPD and HKBP SIMERKATA Pakpak Autonomous. However, in 1995, an agreement was reached to combine the two churches.

Q: What was the significance of the merger between GKPPD and HKBP Simerkata Pakpak Autonomous?

A: The merger was a symbol of unity and cooperation between the congregation, and it marked the end of a prolonged internal conflict. It also provided a strong identity for the Pakpak congregation in a wider environment.

Q: What can be learned from the separation and reconciliation process between GKPPD and HKBP?

A: The process highlights the importance of cultural identity in shaping the structure and function of religious organizations. It also shows that conflicts and disputes can be resolved through reconciliation and cooperation, rather than separation and division.

Q: What are the implications of the separation for the Protestant Christian Church in Indonesia?

A: The separation highlights the need for religious organizations to recognize and respect the cultural identity of their members, particularly in diverse societies. It also emphasizes the importance of autonomy and self-governance for congregations.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research on the separation of GKPPD from HKBP?

A: Future research should explore similar events in other regions and contexts, and collect primary data to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the events and processes involved. Additionally, research should be conducted to explore the theological and spiritual dimensions of the separation.

Q: What is the significance of the separation for the Pakpak people?

A: The separation reflects the social and cultural dynamics of the Pakpak people and highlights the importance of cultural identity in shaping their lives. It also shows that the Pakpak people are capable of self-organization and self-governance.

Q: What is the current status of GKPPD and HKBP in Cikaok Ressort?

A: After the merger, GKPPD and HKBP Simerkata Pakpak Autonomous continue to exist as separate churches. However, they have a close relationship and cooperate in various aspects of their ministry.

Q: What is the role of the Pakpak congregation in the current church structure?

A: The Pakpak congregation plays a significant role in the current church structure, with many of its members holding leadership positions in GKPPD and HKBP Simerkata Pakpak Autonomous.

Q: What are the challenges facing the Pakpak congregation in the current church structure?

A: The Pakpak congregation faces challenges such as maintaining their cultural identity, navigating the complexities of the church structure, and balancing their needs and aspirations with those of other congregations.

Q: What are the opportunities for the Pakpak congregation in the current church structure?

A: The Pakpak congregation has opportunities to grow and develop as a community, to contribute to the broader church, and to maintain their cultural identity and traditions.