Perkembangan agama Kristen di Aceh Singkil 1930-2021

Abstract

This study aims to determine the development of Christianity in Aceh Singkil from 1930 to 2021 and its dissemination strategy. Data collection techniques are carried out in three ways, namely: interviews, documentation, and literature studies.  Primary sources used are the results of interviews with sources and related documents, secondary sources obtained from books, scientific journals, theses, news, articles and internet sites. The entry of Christianity in Aceh Singkil is closely related to the opening of rubber and oil palm plantation companies located in Simpang Kanan during the Dutch Colonial period.  The company employs people from other regions such as the Pakpak and Batak people, some of whom have converted to Christianity and Animism. In 1932, Evangelist Inget Wilfried Banurea together with Belgian investor Tuan E. Riiner built a house of worship located in Kuta Kerangan and at that time had received the approval of the Dutch government. Evangelist I.W Banurea spread Christianity with two strategies, namely teaching spiritual music and songs and also opening spiritual collages (circulation of spiritual books) with the aim of facilitating people’s understanding of Christianity. Currently there is no specific strategy in the spread of Christianity, the increase of Christians in Aceh Singkil is only caused by heredity, although there is also a conversion due to marriage but it is very rare, besides that it is also due to the arrival of residents from outside the Aceh Singkil area who are Christians then work and live in the area.