SCHWARZ STATUE

Schwarz Statue

Langowan, Minahasa, Sulut

facts about schwarz statue

the Schwarz Copper statue you are referring to stands in front of the GMIM (Evangelical Christian Church in Minahasa) Sentrum Langowan. The Copper Schwarz Statue, originally made of concrete, was replaced with copper two years ago. The reconstruction was made possible through a donation from Prabowo Subianto, who was then serving as the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia. The transformation from concrete to copper gave the statue a more luxurious and glossy appearance. Prabowo Subianto's contribution reflects his support and reverence for religious values and missionary history, such as that of Reverend Wilhelm Friedrich Johannes Schwarz, who played a significant role in spreading Christianity in the Minahasa region. With this change, the statue becomes even more captivating for visitors and strengthens its symbolic significance for the Christian community and local residents.

The statue refurbished by Prabowo Subianto was officially inaugurated on December 20, 2021. Standing at six meters tall and supported by six pillars, it was crafted by the sculptor Dunadi from Yogyakarta. This endeavor serves as a tribute to the evangelists of the Minahasa region, as well as a demonstration of affection towards Prabowo Subianto's motherland, Dora Sigar.

The six-meter height and the six supporting pillars likely symbolize significance or symbolism attached to these numbers, although the exact symbolism may vary based on cultural or personal interpretations. The involvement of Dunadi, a renowned sculptor from Yogyakarta, highlights the craftsmanship and artistic expertise put into the creation of the statue.

Overall, this initiative not only pays homage to the religious heritage of the Minahasa area and Prabowo Subianto's familial roots but also underscores the importance of cultural preservation and artistic expression in Indonesian society.

4 facts about the Schwarz statue given by Prabowo Subianto

1. One of the biggest

The Schwarz Statue, standing approximately 6 meters tall and weighing around 2 tons, stands as one of the largest monuments in North Sulawesi.

2. billion budget

Prabowo Subianto allocated approximately Rp5 billion for the statue. With that amount, the statue is bound to attract attention. However, the costs for shipping, distribution, and installation also need to be taken into account.

3. durable

The Schwarz statue is quite exceptional as it's crafted from copper and bronze materials. Its durability is remarkable, capable of enduring for thousands of years despite diverse weather conditions.

4. has high value

The sculpture attains a higher level of prestige compared to those using other mediums. The cost of crafting a bronze statue remains the highest due to its highest level of difficulty.

In the meantime, Governor Olly Dondokambey of North Sulawesi, representing both the government and the Nyiur Melambai community, expresses profound gratitude to Prabowo for his role as the initiator and sole financier of this statue's creation.

On a separate note, Ferdinand Mewengkang, a prominent figure in the North Sulawesi community, acknowledges Prabowo's efforts in erecting the monument and the statue of Reverend Schwarz. Ferdinand's heartfelt appreciation stems primarily from Prabowo's affection for his ancestral land, Minahasa.

"This is a personal contribution from Mr. Prabowo Subianto. It's a testament to his love for his homeland, Minahasa," Ferdinand remarked.

The Schwarz statue serves as a legacy for the Christian community in Minahasa, commemorating the introduction of the Gospel to the region.

Reverend Schwarz is revered by the people of Minahasa for the "good news" he brought, which facilitated the growth of Christianity and advancements in education in the region.

Reverend Schwarz lived concurrently with Johann Friedrich Riedel (1798-1860), who played a pivotal role in Christianizing Tondano and its environs. Before their arrival, the Minahasa people practiced the local Alifuru religion.

The land of Minahasa, particularly Langowan, holds special significance for Prabowo as it is the ancestral homeland of his maternal lineage, the Sigar family.

Dora Sigar, Prabowo's maternal ancestor, was a descendant of Tawaijln Sigar, also known as Benjamin Thomas Sigar, a respected community leader who served as a mayor in Langowan during Reverend Schwarz's time.

After the conclusion of the Java War and Reverend Schwarz's arrival in Langowan, the local populace gradually abandoned their traditional beliefs.

The good news brought by Schwarz was embraced by the people of Langowan, including the Benjamin family, Prabowo's forebears.

As scheduled, the completion of this statue occurred before Christmas, serving as a Christmas gift to the Christian community in North Sulawesi, particularly the Minahasa and Langowan communities.

Thankyou

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