GKI-TP, Evangelical Reformed Church in Papua

There are only a few institutions that reach the many, often very remote areas of Papua and are present there. The Evangelical Reformed Church in Papua (GKI Papua) is one of the largest: it has about 956,000 members. Around 680 pastors work for the GKI Papua, half of whom are women. In 1956, the church became independent from its European founding missions. The partnership with the Basel Mission began in 1964. The role of the GKI is very diverse: it supports the people with social programs in the areas of education, health, women's empowerment and emergency aid. Furthermore, it is very active in promoting human rights. Many indigenous Papuans have no confidence in politicians, the military, the police or the Indonesian constitutional state. The church, however, is held in high esteem. Through its appearance, its social programs and its commitment to justice, the church gives people support, hope and protection. Mission 21 works with the two remote church districts of the GKI in Waropen and provides scholarships for the further education of young indigenous Papuans from Waropen.