After serving as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries for the  Indonesia Territory, Commissioners Yusak and Widiawati Tampai have been appointed as International Secretaries for the South Pacific and East Asia Zone at International Headquarters in London, England. During their transition, Commissioner Yusak took the time to reflect on his and his wife’s experiences leading the Indonesia Territory and The Salvation Army’s growth in the country. 

The War Cry: You’re under farewell orders and are heading to IHQ to be the international secretary for the South Pacific and East Asia Zone. What’s something you’ll miss about the Indonesia Territory?

Commissioner Yusak Tampai: The Indonesia Territory is our own territory and home to our call and ministries. Since we came back in September 2018, we have been amazed by the vibrant spirit of officers and Salvationists. This is the expression of their love and dedication to the King of kings, the Lord Jesus Christ!

We will miss the fellowship amongst officers and Salvationists. We will have a similar fellowship in the UK, and we’re looking forward to it, but it will be different from what we have been enjoying, where you can freely hold conversations and fellowship in a culture and language that you are familiar with. 

We also love visiting Salvationists in remote villages, where the only religion is The Salvation Army church. We will miss that very much! Everyone in the village is a member of The Salvation Army. We often travel from the end of the road for many hours by motorbikes designed for off-roading. Crossing rivers, narrow wooden bridges, steep hills, etc., is exciting. The best part is, when you arrive in the village, you are welcomed with joy in the Lord. They know, as servants of the Lord Jesus, you are visiting to bring blessings for them. We will miss those journeys!

WC: Give us a general overview of the work of the Army in Indonesia. What is God doing in this territory?

YT: The territory is currently serving the people of Indonesia in 21 provinces (out of 38), with 426 corps and outposts, social institutions (children’s homes), over 100 public schools and three colleges, and six hospitals and clinics. The territory has almost reached 50,000 senior soldiers in our records this year. So, it would be right to say that thousands are being blessed through the proclamation and demonstration of the Good News. 

The territory continues to grow despite challenges in some parts of the country, especially in urban environments. God has left us amazed by the work of the Holy Spirit, where we can still see people dedicating their lives to Jesus, and many are still eager to engage in missions.

The vibrant youth and children ministries remind us that there will still be good spiritual leaders for The Salvation Army, the church and communities in the future. Our training college is currently over capacity with 92 cadets for both sessions. Women’s ministries is the largest program in the territory by number, and seeing women leaders thriving and reaching their full potential is amazing. It’s all by the work of the Holy Spirit in and through our committed officers and soldiers. It’s not about the Army; it’s all by and for Jesus!

WC: Is there a moment during your time in Indonesia that illustrates for you the impact of the Army’s ministry?

YT: One highlight was when a group of officers led by Commissioner Widi provided support to the officers and communities in the areas damaged by an earthquake, tsunami and liquefaction in Palu, Central Sulawesi. It was moving to see the scenes where people were so desperate for God’s presence to comfort them, and women leaders were staying in tents with them in their broken village. 

I recall the moment when we had to carry three dead bodies from the tsunami area in the ambulance and bring them to the central mosque, and in God’s timing, a family recognized one of the deceased as their daughter. 

Witnessing our Woodward Hospital serving hundreds of patients under the tents in the street was a “heaven comes down” moment. 

WC: Indonesia is one of The Salvation Army’s fastest-growing territories. Why do you think that is?

YT: I can only say that the growth is the work of the Holy Spirit. Obedience and the sacrificial ministries of our officers are making a positive impact on the growth. Fervent prayer is the other key. I remember there were years in our territory when we were so desperate for candidates for the training college; it was many years ago, and the leaders at that time called Salvationists to pray for candidates. The following year, there were many young people committing their lives to full-time ministry. 

Another positive factor to the growth is the spirit of collaboration within the territory, where Salvationists are encouraged to support each other for the mission. We have seen corps that are so active in supporting others in mission, and we’ve seen these corps continue to grow. We believe when a corps or church is still involved in God’s mission, God continues to sustain and lead them to growth, both spiritually and in numbers.

WC: Are there any challenges that are unique to the Army in Indonesia?

YT: The geographical location is quite a challenge. Many of our divisions and corps are located in remote islands and villages. Quite often, we find ourselves in the middle of nowhere when conducting pastoral visits. The travel often requires a combination of flight to an island, driving to the end of the road, riding a motorbike for some hours with some walks as bonus. Challenging but exciting. 

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, but our country has been very tolerant of each other. However, in reality, there are places where Christians are carrying a heavier cross, but we see this as divine privilege.

WC: What can the rest of The Salvation Army learn from the Indonesia Territory?

YT: We wouldn’t say there is much to learn from our territory. If we were to learn more, it’s the power of prayer and faithfulness in times of challenges. Holding hands with each other in faith and fellowship has strengthened us to witness God’s intervention in difficult circumstances. There are places where resources are very limited, but seeing Salvationists working together to build their corps locally is amazing. 

WC: What has been your greatest joy in leading the Indonesia Territory?

YT: Seeing young people coming to the Lord! Commissioner Widi often encourages parents to let their children be part of the worship. She calls them to the platform and asks what their dreams are. An eye-opening moment for the parents.

Whilst we see expansions with new outposts/corps or divisions, our greatest joy is seeing people coming to the Lord, growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. In addition, seeing our young leaders on the frontlines being effective and growing in their leadership and ministries is very encouraging. We remember the visit to one of the remote islands and seeing outreach ministries initiated by two young couples we commissioned the year before. Their impact on hundreds of children by teaching them to read was really amazing and brought tears to our eyes. 

WC: What is your hope for the future of the Indonesia Territory?

YT: We hope the territory continues to grow to the point that they can contribute to the global Army financially and with personnel. We dream of a territory that can send capable officers serving internationally—we often call it a “boomerang mission,” where we used to have missionaries serving us, and there must be a time when we can send “missionaries” back to countries who might be in need of personnel reinforcement. Honestly, as it is a dream, that may still be far away for the territory. Surely, we pray that Indonesia Territory continues to be faithful to the mission entrusted by God to serve the nation without discrimination. 

Thank you for the privilege of sharing our journey through this interview. God bless all the readers of “The War Cry” and the ministry of The Salvation Army in America.