UEM Asia page

15/05/2026

Day 2 (May 13th, 2026)
Learning basic skills for Pschological First Aid (PFA), Referal System, Ethical Boundaries, Stress Management Strategies and Copying Machanism.

08/05/2026

UEM Regional Asia Holds Labor Rights and Anti-Trafficking Activities in Batam, 4–8 May 2026

BATAM, INDONESIA – The United Evangelical Mission [UEM] Regional Asia conducted two major programs with member churches in Batam from 4–8 May 2026. Batam, an industrial city and key entry point for labor migration to other countries. The programs are:

1. Paralegal Training for Labor Rights Advocacy, 4–7 May 2026.
Held at BNKP Philadelphia, the training was attended by 20 participants. The program was a collaboration between National Commitee of Lutheran World Federation (KN LWF) and the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI).

Ephorus of BNKP, Rev. Otoriteit Dachi, stated that labor advocacy is part of the church’s mission to ensure workers’ rights are fulfilled. Nearly 90% of BNKP’s congregation in Batam are laborers, making the church a key place for consultation when labor issues arise.

The training featured labor activists from Batam and labor law practitioners to equip participants with skills to advocate for workers facing injustice.

2. Seminar and Inauguration of Forum Satu Dalam Misi (One Mission Forum) board, 8 May 2026

UEM Regional Office attended the seminar and inauguration of board of Forum Satu Dalam Misi in Batam. The Forum is a long-standing network of churches in Batam advocating on labor cases. The theme of seminar is Church, Labor Rights, and Human Trafficking and attended by 60 members of the Forum. We invite 2 speakers:
- Timbul Siregar, labor law practitioner
- Fr. Paschalis, Catholic priest known for defending victims of human trafficking

Rev. Jurcelyn Astudillo, the head of Regional Office UEM Asia expressed gratitude to the outgoing FSDM board and welcomed the new leadership. The new chairperson of FSDM is Rev. Mika Lumbantobing. UEM Regional Asia reaffirmed its commitment to support Forum activities going forward.

These activities highlight the church’s role in Batam as both an industrial hub and migration gateway: to serve as companion and defender of labor rights and trafficking victims through training and network building.

04/05/2026

Hands Across Borders: A Signing of Hope and Resilience

On May 1, 2026, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Palangkaraya, Kalimantan, marked a significant milestone for the Diaconia Partnership-Project between Germany's EKiR Simmern-Trarbach and Indonesia's GKE Palangka Raya Tengah."

The purpose of the partnership is rooted in the many disasters that have happened in Indonesia and Germany over recent years both natural and human made disasters. These events have left deep psychological scars on the affected communities, making both trauma healing and better preparation for these disaster events through appropriate measures in advance an urgent need in both countries. The proposed project-partnership on diaconia between the communities of Simmern-Trarbach in Germany and the GKE (with Palangka Raya Tengah/Kalimantan as a model region) in Indonesia, which is supported by the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland (EKiR), and the Hunsrück government, aims to address this pressing issue by adopting a collaborative approach to trauma healing and disaster management. The unique experiences of each community provide a rich opportunity for mutual learning and growth. Each community has its own procedures for dealing with hazardous situations, some of which have been developed in context or are best practice.
Indonesia’s experience with large-scale disaster management and its inclusive approach, which integrates intergenerational support and care for people with disabilities, offers valuable lessons for the German partners. Conversely, the methods of structured individual counselling and post-traumatic stress management established in Germany, as well as the profound knowledge of the processes and structures of disaster management, can make an important contribution to improving Indonesian trauma healing and disaster management practices. This diaconia partnership-project not only aims to exchange knowledge but also to build a sustainable, long-term relationship that strengthens both communities’ resilience to future natural catastrophes.
The goals of the Partnership-Project is the Sustainable development of a partnership-project on diaconia in relation to trauma and disaster management, and establish a sustainable partnership framework that promotes continued co-operation and capacity building in trauma response and disaster management between the two communities over the next five years and beyond subject to review and agreement.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the General Chairperson of Gereja Kalimantan Evangelis, Rev. Dr. Simpon Ferdinant. Lion, M.Th. on behalf of Gereja Kalimantan Evangelis (GKE), and Rev. Markus Risch, the Superintendent Simmern-Trarbach, Evangelische Kirche im Rheinland (EKiR) on behalf of Evangelische Kirche im Rheinland (EKiR) Simmern-Trarbach, Represented by Rev. Edeltraud Lenz, Pfarrerin fur Seelsorge und Diakonie and Rev. Félicité Ngnintedem, Executive Secretary Global Programs, on behalf of United Evangelical Mission (UEM), represented by Rev. Jurcelyn Boncales-Astudillo, Deputy Executive Secretary for Asia.

Together, we build a stronger communities and prepare for a safer future. To God be the glory!

03/05/2026

Safe Migration and Cargo Ministry

As the UEM Asia Regional Office has been focusing on raising awareness of safe migration in some churches and schools, a number of cases have been reported to the Regional Office. One of the cases encountered involved the repatriation of the remains of an Indonesian migrant worker named Rexy Ricardo Situmeang, who died in Cambodia due to a severe illness on 19 November 2025 after working for various companies in Cambodia. Rexy was a worker without full documentation who had travelled to Cambodia to work in order to support his family.

The family wished for Rexy’s remains to be brought back immediately to his hometown in Sidikalang, North Sumatra.
UEM Regional Asia immediately coordinated with migrant worker advocacy networks both in Indonesia and in Cambodia. It was not easy for the family to meet the administrative requirements and cover the costs involved in repatriating the remains to Indonesia.

Today, staffs from the Asia Regional Office, along with a representative from the HKI Synod leaders, Rev. Boy F Tampubolon, and two sisters from the Catholic Church—Sr. Verena Sianturi and Sr. Alfonsia Saing—accompanied the Situmeang family, who had travelled from Sidikalang, to do cargo ministry and picked up the body from the cargo area at KNO Airport in Medan.

Upon arrival at Kualanamu Airport, a farewell prayer was led by Rev. Boy F Tampubolon and Sr. Verena Sianturi. Our prayers are with the Situmeang family, that they may be strengthened by God and given comfort.

The team hopes that Indonesia will establish a system that ensures its citizens can migrate safely and receive protection whilst working abroad.

27/04/2026

In Pematangsiantar on April 23–24, 2026, United Evangelical Mission (UEM) held an awareness campaign titled “Caring the World; Saving Lives” for vocational and senior high school students affiliated with Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP).

The first day, April 23, brought together students from SMK Pariwisata HKBP, SMKS 1 YP HKBP and SMA Unggul HKBP. On the second day, April 24, participants came from SMA Campus HKBP and SMKS (STM) HKBP.

Each session began with a morning devotion led by Imelda Sibarani. On April 23, she reflected on the Bible passage from Book of Ruth 2:2, emphasizing that those who turn to God, obey Him, and seek His protection will receive salvation and blessings. This faith, she noted, strengthens individuals in pursuing their life goals. On April 24, she based her message on Epistle to the Colossians 2:6–7, encouraging students to be firmly rooted in Christ, grow in faith, and bear good fruit, living lives marked by gratitude and wisdom that benefit others.

The program also aimed to introduce the mission and ministry of UEM since its establishment in 1828, while inspiring young people to grow spiritually through learning, prayer, and service alongside the organization.

Following the devotion, Freddy Limbong spoke about the dangers of drug abuse and online gambling, highlighting their harmful effects on the brain. In addition, A. A. Zaitun Sihite, Praeses of HKBP District V, provided insights on climate justice and emphasized the important role of youth in addressing environmental challenges.

To conclude the program, we have handed over to the five schools five recycling bins. Those will be installed in schools so that students, teachers and other stakeholders can put the trash bottle in. As a result, the educational setting will be pleasant and enjoyable.
May God bless the good works.

02/04/2026

UEM PASTORAL LETTER FOR EASTER!

This Easter, here is the Pastoral Letter from the UEM General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Andar Parlindungan, as a powerful call to action, and not merely a gentle comfort amidst a world facing injustice, violence, and fear. The resurrection of Christ stands as a bold declaration of hope for a world being torn apart.

Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

02/04/2026

“Christ is Risen – Renewing Humanity, Restoring Justice”
(cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
We proclaim this Easter message not in a world of peace, but in a world torn apart by injustice, violence, and fear. The resurrection of Christ is not a quiet comfort—it is God’s bold protest and opposition against death and all its powers.

We see suffering in North Sumatera-Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the
Philippines, where calamities have taken lives and shattered communities. We witness ongoing military oppression and ecological destruction in Papua, where both people and land are wounded by unjust policies. We raise our voices against military aggression in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where violence continues to rob communities of peace and dignity.

We are deeply concerned about the escalating conflicts in the Middle East,
which devastate civilian lives and fuel global economic instability. At the same time, we cannot ignore the troubling rise of right-wing extremism in Germany, expressed in anti-foreigner sentiments, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia—realities that threaten the very fabric of our shared humanity.

The rapid expansion of social media and digital technology has brought remarkable progress in communication and efficiency. Yet it has also given rise to digital crimes, disinformation, and growing addiction, especially among young people.

As a living communion of UEM, we are called to live as witnesses of this resurrection hope. We are called to stand with those who suffer, to speak truth in the face of injustice, and to embody God’s love in a world that desperately needs it. Our faith in the risen Christ compels us to act—to build bridges where there is division, to seek peace where there is conflict, and to bring light where there is darkness. I am delighted to see the short video of our UEM council member from the protestant church in Rhineland (EKiR), Rev. Dr. Wibke Janssen https://youtu.be/Im8ci5V9YuA, who
reflected the voice of Christ´s resurrection and liberation courageously.

At the same time, it is my deep joy and thankfulness to celebrate the resurrection of Christ together with all UEM members and partners across continents. Your faithfulness, solidarity, and commitment to the mission of God—especially in the midst of social and political turmoil—are powerful signs of Christ´s resurrection.

Easter assures us that even in the midst of uncertainty, God is at work. The risen Christ walks with us, renews us, and sends us out as bearers of hope. May this Easter renew our faith, strengthen our love, and deepen our commitment to God’s mission of justice, peace, and care for creation.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Yours in the Risen Christ,
Rev. Dr. Andar Parlindungan
General Secretary
United Evangelical Mission (UEM)

This year, the UEM Easter message is given by Rev. Dr. Wibke Janssen, board member of the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland (Germany) and member of the UEM...

02/04/2026

Caring the World, Saving Lives: UEM Goes to Campus and Community, typically emerge from our commitment to social responsibility and community engagement to address real-world problems especially in the City of Pematangsiantar where UEM Asia Office is located regarding the Narcotics, online gambling and the waste management/ trash problem in this city. How can UEM be a part of the solutions to these real-world problems?
This program is strategically aligned with the general goal of UEM on to maintain UEM’s holistic approach to mission and to ensure that the grassroots level of UEM members/community is reached, transformed, empowered and engaged and improve the quality of life in local and global communities.

The objectives of this program are to Enhance Community Well-being: Improve the overall health and living conditions in Pematangsiantar City that started with the UEM members owned Schools, and in the public areas within the city; Promote Awareness: In Campus, promote awareness to the students about the impact of Narcotics and Online gambling as well as Climate change, the need to take care the earth; Encourage Student Involvement: Provide students with practical, hands-on experience in community service by engaging in the clean-up drive that started from their campus and later in the public areas within the City; and Develop Partnerships: between UEM and campuses within Siantar and local government, local organizations, and community stakeholders in regard to the sustainability of the program.

The event took placed on March 30th, 2026, at SMK (Vocational Schools) operated by GKPI in Pematangsiantar. Before the event was inaugurated by the leadership of GKPI who represented by Rev. Irvan hutasoit, Head of Pastorat Department of GKPI, Rev. Resti Sitompul led the morning devotion.

During the program, more than hundred students and teachers from SMK GKPI 1 and SMK GKPI 2 attended the program. The following are topics that have been discussed:
1. The danger and risk of Narcotics use delivered by Ms. Frensi Purba from National Narcotics Board
2. The danger and risk of online gambling presented by Rev. Hendra Simarmata, Director of Institute Andar Sutan
3. Climate Change and Role of Young People sent by Irma Simanjuntak, UEM Advocacy Officer.

As a leader of the initiative, Rev. Jurcelyn B. Astudillo, Deputy Executive Secretary of Asia, strongly reminded and encouraged how important to take part to take care of this world for lives by preserving or sustaining the environment. It is not only about human lives, but also other creations. Young people play big role to preserve or maintain for the sustainability of environment. The principal of the school, Mr. Hotlion Sihombing was grateful to be able to cooperate with UEM in order to educate the young generation. To wrap up the program, UEM gave the "trash bottles" as a symbol of our concern for the environment.

May the youth find blessings and significance in their deeds, allowing them to lead fulfilling lives.

31/01/2026

The right to water is recognized as a human right by the United Nations (UN) through Resolution 64/292 in 2010. This resolution affirms that clean water and adequate sanitation are fundamental human rights.

UEM together with its networkings in Asia, namely KSPPM (a Christian-based NGO) and KNLWF (the National Committee of the Lutheran World Federation), supported a clean water project in Huta Pardekkean, Sijambur Village, Samosir Regency. This clean water project is part of an advocacy effort to ensure that community have access to clean water. Some of the funding also comes from the villagers themselves. For decades, this village has struggled with accessing clean water and has had to rely on rainwater. During the dry season, community have to buy clean water for their household needs.

They discovered this water in the midst of desperation during the prolonged 2025 dry season. Digging the land to find water wasn't easy, but eventually, they found a water source.

To give thanks, they held a worship for the clean water source, led by Praeses HKBP Samosir District, Rev. Rintalori Sianturi. During the event, the praeses asked that the clean water source be cared for and its sustainability ensured for the future. Praeses also encourgaged all the community to protect their forest as a resources of water.

26/01/2026

The Asia Regional Board (ARB) met this year from January 19–23, 2026, at Tuapeijat, Mentawai Islands Regency. The purpose of this conference was to report on the activities of the Asia Regional Office in 2025 and provide an update on news occurring in each sub-region. Constructive suggestions and decisions have been made during the conversation.

This meeting was hosted by GKPM Km. O in Tuapeijat. Ephorus of GKPM, Rev. Binsar Parlindungan Sababalat, concluded the discussion by discussing the GKPM ministry's context. He thanked UEM and all members that have supported GKPM so far. He stated that while there are numerous resources that may be used to help the people of Mentawai, there are also obstacles that must be addressed. As a result, GKPM needs accompaniment. GKPM needs partners.
"The presence of UEM staff and boards was really encouraging and blessings to GKPM," he remarked.

To respond to the sharings, the boards offered suggestions and practical steps to improve the GKPM ministry at the conclusion of this conference.

Many thanks to GKPM leadership and many thanks to local committee at GKPM Km. 0 in Tuapeijat and others who already supported the success of this meeting.
May all good deeds be blessed by God. Amen.