GKI YOUTH LEADERS APPRECIATE BENYAMIN GURIK’S APOLOGY AND SELF-REPORTING TO PAPUA REGIONAL POLICE

Jayapura, December 5, 2024 – The Chairman of KNPI Papua, Benyamin Gurik (BG), has publicly apologized for his controversial social media posts deemed offensive to the leadership of the GKI Synod. However, the GKI Synod in Papua emphasized that they would proceed with their report to the Papua Regional Police (Polda Papua) as Benyamin’s actions were considered defamatory to the church institution.

This controversy gained public attention after Benyamin’s social media posts went viral. In his posts, Benyamin made several controversial statements, such as: "GKI Synod is being used by BTM in hopes of becoming governor" and "Lastly, he brought Constan Karma and Barnabas Suebu." The two names mentioned are former Governors of Papua. Additionally, Benyamin wrote, "Let me laugh at foolish church leaders acting like campaign teams."

These statements drew criticism from various parties, including Franciskus Xaverius Rumere, a prominent GKI youth leader in Papua, who urged Benyamin to apologize immediately. With extensive experience in church service, Franciskus stated that such remarks were unworthy of a youth leader.

“As the Chairman of KNPI Papua and the son of a preacher from one of the church denominations in Papua, Benyamin should demonstrate proper decorum. His actions reflect a lack of respect for church leaders and the Christian community as a whole,” Franciskus said on Thursday (28/11).

Franciskus issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Benyamin to apologize, warning that the matter would be taken to court if the demand was not met.

In response to the pressure, Benyamin issued a public apology on Thursday (5/12). In his statement, he admitted his mistakes. “I made a mistake, and I sincerely apologize to the leadership of the GKI Synod and all members of the community who were hurt by my actions,” Benyamin said.

Despite the apology, the Chairman of the GKI Synod in Papua, Rev. Andrikus Mofu, M.Th., emphasized that legal proceedings would continue. At a press conference on Friday (29/11), Rev. Mofu stated that Benyamin’s actions had defamed the church and disrupted interfaith harmony in Papua.

“Benyamin’s statements are highly inappropriate and have tarnished the dignity of the church institution. Therefore, through the GKI Synod’s legal counsel in Papua, we have reported BG to the Papua Regional Police,” Rev. Mofu asserted. He also called on law enforcement to act promptly.

GKI youth leaders, including Franciskus, appreciated Benyamin’s steps to apologize and his willingness to comply with the legal process. This case serves as a reminder for everyone, especially young leaders, of the importance of maintaining ethics and using social media responsibly.

With the apology and self-reporting completed, it is hoped that this controversy can be resolved fairly, preserving interfaith harmony and providing valuable lessons for all involved.