A Branch Office in the Sky

In 2008, Indonesia reached a peak of 21,699 publishers. The branch facilities were stretched to the limit. Also, because the facilities were built during the ban, they were in an out-of-the-way location. Clearly, a larger branch nearer to Jakarta was needed.

About two years later, the brothers purchased a property that was very different from the previous branch​—the entire 31st floor of an ultra-modern 42-story office tower near central Jakarta. The brothers next bought 12 floors in a nearby apartment tower to accommodate 80 or more Bethelites. They also acquired a five-story building to house the Bethel Home departments.

A team of construction servants from different countries worked along with local contractors to remodel the offices and the apartments. “Jehovah repeatedly helped us through seemingly intractable problems,” says construction overseer Darren Berg. “For example, we wanted to install a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant, but the authorities were unfamiliar with the technology and refused to approve it. Then a local Witness who is an engineer took our case to a senior official. The official promptly approved our request, stating that he completely trusted our brother’s recommendation.”

The new branch facilities were dedicated on February 14, 2015. Governing Body member Anthony Morris III gave the dedication talk. “We are now located in a prestigious district among some of the leading corporations in Indonesia,” says Vincent Witanto Ipikkusuma, a member of the Branch Committee. “We are not hiding anymore. People now notice Jehovah’s Witnesses. They can see that we are here to stay.”