On March 20, 2023, a newly established Adventist Hospital in Palangka Raya, Indonesia, opened its doors to patients. The administration of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), headed by Pastor Roger Caderma, president, and Pastor Wendell Mandolang, executive secretary, attended the inaugural event. The celebration was also graced by the presence of the West Indonesia Union Mission leadership and the newly constituted hospital's board of directors.

The 51-bed-capacity, state-of-the-art hospital will offer comprehensive medical services to the inhabitants of Palangka Raya and nearby communities. General medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and critical care are among the services provided by the hospital.

At the inauguration event, Pastor Caderma expressed his thanks to everyone who helped build and establish the hospital. He also stressed the Adventist Church's commitment to providing high-quality health care to underserved regions.

"The establishment of this hospital exemplifies our church's purpose of fostering overall well-being," remarked Pastor Caderma. "We think that good health is crucial to an individual's entire quality of life, and we are dedicated to delivering outstanding medical treatment to those in need."

During his congratulatory message to the hospital leadership and staff, Pastor Caderma continued, “It takes a great deal of effort and sacrifice to establish a hospital of this caliber, and I am grateful for the leadership that made it possible. Your vision and hard work have resulted in the establishment of a world-class healthcare facility that will serve as a beacon of hope and healing for generations to come.”

Pastor Wendell Mandolang expressed his thoughts about the mission entrusted to the church in reflecting God’s influence on the community through the ministry of healing: “Our aim as a church is to spread the message of hope and healing through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the ways we achieve this is through offering to heal via Jesus' ministry. The construction of this hospital is a physical manifestation of that aim.”

The leadership of the West Indonesia Union Mission also voiced their support for the hospital and its goal. Pastor Sugih Sitorus, the union president, said in his address that the hospital's development is an important milestone for the Adventist Church in the area.

"We are honored to be a part of this historic occasion, and we are dedicated to ensuring that this hospital continues to serve the people of Palangka Raya and its surrounding areas for many years to come," Pastor Sitorus stated.

“The Adventist Hospital in Palangka Raya will offer critical healthcare services to our community while maintaining a dedication to quality and compassion. It will be a place where individuals and families can receive medical care and emotional and spiritual support, which is critical to healing," Sitorus explained.

The hospital's board of directors also expressed their delight about the hospital's opening and the potential influence it may have on the health and well-being of the community.

"We are overjoyed to finally open the doors of the Adventist Hospital in Palangka Raya," stated Dr. Roy Sarumpaet, the hospital's chairman of the Board of Management. "Our medical staff is prepared to give the greatest quality of care to our patients and their families. We are excited to serve our community and make a difference in their lives."

Jo Ann Amparo, Adventist Healthcare director for the SSD, expressed her joy in witnessing a new hospital being added to the roster of Adventist hospitals within the region. “We give thanks to God for this new hospital. It will be a beacon of health, life, and hope as an Adventist health facility—a location where Christ's healing ministry is shown,” Amparo said. “It is encouraging to see a new hospital in Indonesia, particularly in SSD after 15 years. It is Indonesia's fifth hospital and the SSD's twentieth.”

The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division website.