St. Louis, Missouri, USA (July 9, 2025) – In a significant leadership change, delegates at the 62nd General Conference Session held in St. Louis have elected Pastor Samuel Yotam Bindosano as the new executive secretary for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) for the 2025-2030 quinquennium. Concurrently, Pastor Jacinto Adap has been re-elected to continue in his role as the division’s treasurer.
These appointments were announced by several Adventist news sites, including the Adventist News Network, Adventist Review, and Adventists Southern Asia-Pacific.
The election of Pastor Bindosano marks a new chapter for the administrative leadership of the SSD. His election at this global session indicates a strong endorsement from the world church leadership and delegates.
As stated in the Adventist Encyclopedia of the East Indonesia Union Conference, Bindosano has a significant history of leadership within the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Indonesia.
He served as the executive secretary of the East Indonesia Union Conference from 2005 to 2015, and subsequently as its president from 2016 onwards.
During his tenure as executive secretary, he was instrumental in initiating the idea and development of Radio Angkat Nafiri (RAN FM) in Manado, following a visit to the United States. His advocacy and discussions with Adventist World Radio were key in establishing this radio station.
As executive secretary, Pastor Bindosano will be responsible for the overall administrative functions of the SSD, including strategic planning, record-keeping, and coordinating the various ministries and departments across the vast territory.
On the other hand, Pastor Adap’s re-election provides continuity in the financial oversight of the SSD.
An article published by Adventist News Network on June 20, 2022, stated that he assumed the role of treasurer in 2022, following extensive service in financial capacities within the Adventist Church.
He also served as the auditor for the SSD, a role that provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the division’s financial systems and operations.
His career also includes experience as a church auditor and accountant at the Central Luzon Conference and later at the North Philippine Union Mission.
In 1997, he became the financial controller for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, and in 2004, he served as associate treasurer in the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division.
Pastor Adap’s long-standing dedication to financial stewardship and his deep understanding of the division’s economic landscape are vital for ensuring the responsible management of resources.
He is married to Darlene, who currently serves as the director of SSD Risk Management Services.
The Southern Asia-Pacific Division covers 14 countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and others, representing a diverse and rapidly growing region for the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
For further details, please refer to the following sources:
- Adventist Review: “Delegates Vote In Five New Division Presidents” (Published July 8, 2025) – https://session.adventistreview.org/delegates-vote-in-five-new-division-presidents/
- Adventist News Network: “Mandolang and Adap Named as New Executive Secretary and Treasurer, Respectively, for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division” (Published June 20, 2022, regarding their initial election, confirming their current roles prior to re-election) – https://adventist.news/news/mandolang-and-adap-named-as-new-executive-secretary-and-treasurer-respectively-for-the-southern-asia-pacific-division
- Adventist Yearbook: “Southern Asia-Pacific Division” (Provides current administrative details) – https://www.adventistyearbook.org/entity?EntityID=13370
- https://adventist.news/news/global-division-secretaries-and-treasurers-elected-to-support-world-church