The momentum of International Earth Day this year became a platform for action among church youth in Sidikalang. Carrying the global theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” the Diakonia Pelangi Kasih Foundation (YDPK) together with HKBP District VI Dairi held a series of events titled “Ecotheology Seminar and Music Festival” at the grounds of the Djauli Manik National Building on Jalan Sisingamangaraja, Sidikalang, Saturday (April 25, 2026).

This activity was more than just a ceremony. Through a combination of theological discussions, a disaster photo exhibition, and a music stage, young people were invited to see the climate crisis as a real challenge to their faith.

The seminar featured two main speakers who examined the environmental crisis from a Christian faith perspective. Pdt. Deonal Sinaga, Head of the Koinonia Department of HKBP, presented facts related to the climate crisis. He emphasized the importance of the role of youth as role models in caring for creation, so that faith does not stop only within the church but also impacts the preservation of the earth.

Similarly, Pdt. Riedel Sihotang focused on biblical interpretation. He corrected the view that humanity’s mandate to rule the earth is not a license to destroy it. “Humanity is called to care for, not to dismantle without control,” he asserted.

This activity also served as a reflection on the geographical conditions of Dairi, which are prone to disasters. The photo exhibition displayed portraits of disaster victims and documentation of community struggles against environmental exploitation.

Monica Siregar, the Activity Coordinator from YDPK, stated that this seminar was designed to build the resilience of youth faith. “We want young people to realize that environmental issues are a real threat right before our eyes, especially with the entry of industries that risk damaging the Dairi ecosystem,” she said.

Criticism was also directed at government policies, which were seen as giving room to companies with the potential to harm the environment. This brought back memories of the trauma from 2012 caused by a waste leak that impacted local livelihoods.

Santun Sinaga, Director of YDPK, called on HKBP youth to dare to speak out. “Earth Day is a momentum to act. We invite young people to take real action within their respective church communities and stand together with communities rejecting the presence of environmentally destructive companies,” he stated.

The event concluded with an environmental-themed music competition and performances by local bands. YDPK hopes that the collaboration with HKBP District VI Dairi will not stop at the seminar but will continue with concrete actions in the field. Without the involvement of the younger generation, passing on a healthy and peaceful earth to future generations will be difficult to achieve.

Djauli Manik National Building

The Djauli Manik National Building is a significant cultural and historical site located in Bangladesh, named after the revered folk hero Djauli Manik. It serves as a monument commemorating the region’s rich folklore and resistance against historical injustices. The building stands as a symbol of local heritage, preserving the memory of Manik’s legendary struggles and contributions to the community.

Jalan Sisingamangaraja

Jalan Sisingamangaraja is a major thoroughfare in Jakarta, Indonesia, named after the revered Batak warrior and spiritual leader Sisingamangaraja XII, who fought against Dutch colonial rule in the late 19th century. The road connects key areas in South Jakarta, passing through the historic Menteng district and near landmarks like the Hotel Indonesia roundabout. Today, it serves as a bustling commercial and residential street, reflecting both the city’s colonial-era development and its modern urban growth.

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Djauli Manik National Building

The Djauli Manik National Building is a significant cultural and historical site in Bangladesh, named after the revered folk figure Djauli Manik. It serves as a memorial and cultural center dedicated to preserving the legacy of this legendary personality, who is celebrated for his contributions to local folklore and heritage. The building stands as a symbol of regional pride and historical remembrance, though specific details about its construction date and full history remain limited in widely available records.

Jalan Sisingamangaraja

Jalan Sisingamangaraja is a major thoroughfare in Jakarta, Indonesia, named after the revered 19th-century Batak king and resistance leader Sisingamangaraja XII, who fought against Dutch colonial rule. The road connects key areas of South Jakarta, passing through neighborhoods like Kebayoran Baru and Blok M, and serves as a bustling hub for commerce and transportation. Historically, it reflects the city’s development and honors a figure symbolizing local heroism and anti-colonial struggle.