Discover The Salvation Army's work in Indonesia at this exhibition, first shown at Gallery 101 in October 2023.

The Salvation Army commenced work in Indonesia (Java) in 1894. It then extended to Ambon, Bali, East Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Sumatra, East Nusa Tenggara and Papua.

Dedicated to the Army’s mission ‘to preach the gospel and meet the human’s needs without discrimination’, faithful men and women of God continue to point people to Jesus Christ through loving action. Their ministries include:

• Corps (churches)
• Social Service Centres
• Schools - Kindergartens, Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, High Schools, Technical High Schools (Theological University)
• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Academy for Nurses

A total of 92 men and women have dedicated their lives to fulltime service and are enrolled in the Officers’ Training College as cadets.

 

 

Children's Homes and Outreach to Young People

‘I was born on Bali Island. I grew up in a strong Hindu family who were very fanatical about religion and customs. I have five sisters and four brothers. Our family life was full of happiness. However, after our father died, our mother was not able to look after our family. One of our neighbours advised my eldest sister to place me and my older sister in The Salvation Army Girls’ Home in Denpasar, Bali.  

‘It was a difficult time for us.  Being separated from family is never easy for a child. But God’s work has been truly miraculous because through this place I came to know the Lord Jesus as my Saviour. I grew in my knowledge of God and his work through The Salvation Army. In this place, I also made many new friends and family who love and care for me. Praise God, I have now been a Salvation Army Officer for 16 years. I love God and his Army. I am very grateful that I have lived and grown up in The Salvation Army Girls’ Home.’

Major Ni Ketut Ekarini Latuputty
Fundraising Officer and Contact Person for Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response

 

The East Indonesia Outreach Team supports young people in the Kokoda Tribe, West Papua

Education Services

The Indonesia Territory has a significant number of education centres – 103 schools (Pre-Schools, Kindergartens, Elementary, Junior and Senior High Schools, and Vocational Schools), four academic and higher schools. 

The Salvation Army educational ministry supports the government programmme, ‘Educating the Nation’s Life’. Education ministries, provided by The Salvation Army, cover both urban and rural areas.

Salvation Army schools have become a firm favourite amongst the urban communities where there is an increased demand for high-quality education, at an affordable price. Their motto is: ‘Becoming a school with Christ-like character, innovation and creativity.’

A literacy class in Palu, Central Sulawesi

Everything changed after The Salvation Army arrived in Central Sulawesi. The schools became vital pillars in rural communities which had often been neglected by the local government. The education provided with love and care changed the minds, habits and lives of many residents who graduated to become village leaders, nurses, teachers and Salvation Army officers who work together to create positive change. 

Caring for Health

The Salvation Army provides healthcare through six hospitals and eight clinics located in Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, Turen, Makasar and Palu. The hospitals have been operating for a long time and play a vital role in supporting government programmmes that work to improve the lives of local communities.

The hospitals are also involved in the National Programmme (PROGNAS) that provides education about healthcare and disease prevention, and aims to reach out to young people, women and children who live in prostitution red zones. The Salvation Army hospitals are famous for their ancient buildings, but they utilise a modern hospital management system to provide more open, effective and efficient health services.

World Heart Day is marked in Surabaya

College of Health Sciences

The College of Health Sciences William Booth Surabaya is deeply committed to enhancing the public health landscape, with a strong focus on combating tuberculosis (TB) and addressing child stunting. The institution actively engages in the comprehensive management of TB, which involves efficient identification, treatment and prevention measures. In an effort to combat childhood stunting, the College of Health Sciences William Booth Surabaya places great emphasis on monitoring a child’s growth and development.

Since 2013, The Salvation Army College of Health Sciences Palu has aimed to equip nurses to provide excellent elderly care. Many elderly people have been served by the students. Over 3,000 nurses have graduated from the college and they are now working in almost all provinces in Indonesia. Others work abroad: one in America, 11 in the Netherlands, 13 in Japan, one in Switzerland and 155 in Singapore. Most of the students come from rural areas around Central Sulawesi and they have been sponsored by the central government, local government, stakeholders and also by the college itself. More than 76 students have been supported by a scholarship. 

Vaccinations at Surabaya Hospital