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The Local Christian Employees Forum of NHM and its business partners (Forkaloka) held a pre-Christmas worship service with the Kao Village community at Bait-El Kao Church on Thursday, December 11. The event was attended by stakeholders from the mining ring area, representatives of the North Halmahera Regency Government, NHM management, and local residents, reflecting the spirit of togetherness and inclusive celebration.

The culturally infused pre-Christmas service is a regular agenda of Forkaloka in communities surrounding NHM’s operational areas. Integrating local wisdom into religious celebrations plays an important role in preserving cultural identity while strengthening social harmony. This combination of faith and culture created a meaningful and inclusive Christmas celebration, allowing messages of love, peace, and brotherhood to resonate across generations.

All organizers and attendees were dressed in traditional attire from their respective regions, symbolizing unity in diversity. The event opened with remarks from Jatser Paleba, Deputy Manager of UG Kencana, who represented NHM’s Gosowong Site Management and expressed appreciation to the organizing committee and the Bait-El Kao Church congregation for their support.

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“On this joyful occasion, we give thanks to God that, by His grace, we can gather in His house, Bait-El Kao, to celebrate Christmas together as one fellowship. Christmas is a time to reflect on God’s love, strengthen our faith, and deepen our bonds of brotherhood. This celebration reminds us that in every step of our lives, God is always with us,” said Jatser.

The Christmas sermon was delivered by Pastor Wesly Lahea, S.Pd.K., from Bethani Lofra Church in Kao, who emphasized the importance of family as part of God’s plan. He explained that the restoration of families is central to God’s work in restoring humanity through Jesus Christ.

“Families, churches, and nations are restored when Jesus is at the center of life. When families place Christ as King, they become ambassadors of God’s Kingdom,” he said.

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El-Kharis Salamena, Chair of the 2025 Forkaloka Christmas Committee, expressed his gratitude to NHM leadership, including Haji Robert Nitiyudo Wachjo, the Board of Directors, Gosowong Site Management, and all supporting parties. He also thanked the Forkaloka Christmas Committee, students from Hein Namotemo University (UNHENA), Bambu Tada from SMA Negeri 1 North Halmahera, Yanger Citizen Harmony, the Bait-El Kao Men’s Vocal Group, rebana dancers, Tobelo Banners, and the Kao Village community for their contributions from preparation through the implementation of the service.

“Glory be to God for all the blessings throughout this process. I am grateful for the trust given to me to lead this year’s Christmas committee. This celebration proves that love and togetherness have no boundaries, including for employees’ families, whether they are actively working or temporarily laid off,” said El-Kharis.

He expressed hope that the Forkaloka Christmas celebration would bring joy and renewed hope to employees’ families and the wider community.

“May this Christmas strengthen us, encourage us to be a light wherever we are, and allow love and kindness to continue growing in our families and surrounding communities,” he concluded.