December 20, 2025 | 06:55 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta, rich in colonial heritage, is home to several old churches. These places of worship are also the perfect choice for religious tourist destinations ahead of Christmas celebrations. These three churches offer a blend of long historical value, unique architecture, and a serene atmosphere during the year-end holiday season.
Here is a brief guide to the historic churches in Jakarta.
1. Sion Church
Sion Church, also known as Portugeesche Buitenkerk, is the oldest functioning church in Indonesia. Established in 1695, the church was built by the VOC and originally served the Portuguese community in Batavia. Its foundation is supported by 10,000 dolken or ironwood pillars, which have kept the church sturdy despite its hundreds-year-old age.
The architecture combines Portuguese style with a touch of Greek influence, marked by six interior pillars symbolizing the six guardian angels. On the second floor, there is an old organ dating back to 1860, a gift from Pastor John Moritzmoor's daughter. Though the organ is still being played to this day, only three Indonesians are capable of doing so. The church bell, in existence since 1675, is the third-oldest in Indonesia.
The land was previously the Jasen Kerkhof cemetery, and now 11 graves remain, including the tomb of the Dutch Governor General Hendrik Swardekron. During Christmas, the church often becomes a place of solemn worship with a deep historical ambiance. Located on Jalan Pangeran Jayakarta, West Jakarta, it is easily accessible and suitable for tourists seeking tranquility amidst the city.
2. Jakarta Cathedral
The Jakarta Cathedral, officially named the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, has been an icon since its inauguration in 1901. Its long history journeyed from a simple bamboo church in 1808, through a major fire in 1826 and the collapse of its roof in 1890, to a neo-Gothic reconstruction by Father Antonius Dijkmans, SJ.
Its grand neo-Gothic European-style architecture has often been referred to as a 'miniature Vatican'. Located near the Istiqlal Mosque, the church stands as a symbol of religious harmony among different faiths, providing mutual support during major celebrations such as Christmas and Eid al-Fitr. During the Christmas season, its interior is adorned with candles and distinctive ornaments, while the midnight mass becomes a bustling moment of solemnity.
As a national cultural heritage, the church also houses a museum preserving Catholic historical artifacts in Indonesia. Situated on Jalan Katedral, Central Jakarta, it has become a favorite destination for both local and international tourists seeking spiritual and cultural experiences.
3. Tugu Church
In North Jakarta, specifically in Kampung Tugu, Cilincing, stands the Tugu Church (GPIB Tugu), established in 1678 by the Mardijkers community, former enslaved persons from India, Malacca, and Bengal. They were freed by the VOC and had assimilated into the local culture while embracing the Protestant Christian faith. The original church building suffered severe damage when it was invaded by the British forces under Captain William Cole in 1814. The church was initially Catholic, then became Protestant after the Dutch took over the area.
The name 'Tugu' is derived from Kampung Tugu, the residence of a Betawi-Portuguese community. The church's architecture, while simple, is rich in symbolism as it reflects the cultural blend between Europe and the local community.
As a cultural heritage site, the church is easily accessible by public transportation and serves as an intriguing religious tourist destination, especially for those who wish to experience the Christmas ambiance with local cultural influences.
These three churches not only preserve the colonial past but also serve as places for reflection and authentic Christmas celebrations.
PUTRI AZ ZAHRA SUHERMAN
Read: First Female Archbishop Appointed to Lead Church of England
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Fact Check: Indonesian Religious Affairs Ministry Aid-to-Churches Claim Proven False
10 hari lalu
Fact check - The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has never distributed such a letter.
First Female Archbishop Appointed to Lead Church of England
6 Oktober 2025
Sarah Mullally has been named as the new Archbishop of Canterbury on Friday, making her the first female leader of the Church of England.
8 Fascinating Spots to Discover in Semarang Old Town
25 September 2025
The Semarang Old Town area is filled with colonial-era buildings, culinary places, and an antique market.
Two Children Killed in U.S. Catholic School Mass Shooting
28 Agustus 2025
Two children were killed and dozens of others were injured in a mass shooting at a Catholic school in the U.S.
Indonesia Condemns Israeli Strike on Gaza's Only Catholic Church
19 Juli 2025
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns the Israeli tank attack that destroyed the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza as a disregard for international law and human values.
Pope Leo XIV Calls Netanyahu, Urges Gaza Ceasefire and Protection of Holy Sites
19 Juli 2025
Pope Leo XIV held a phone conversation with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu following a military strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza.
Netanyahu Apologizes Over Israeli Military Raid on Catholic Church in Gaza
18 Juli 2025
Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu regrets the tank attack on a Catholic Church in Gaza, which killed three individuals.
Israeli Attack on Gaza Church Often Visited by Late Pope Francis Kills 22
17 Juli 2025
On Thursday, the Israeli military attacked the Holy Family Church in Gaza, which was reportedly a site frequently visited by the late Pope Francis.
Rejection of Church Constructions in Indonesia: A Violation of Worship Rights
9 Juli 2025
Before the rejection of the construction of a church in Depok, similar incidents have occurred in Cilegon and Semarang.
WCC Shifts Stance on Israel-Palestine Conflict
28 Juni 2025
The WCC has issued a statement regarding Israel's occupation and the humanitarian conditions in Gaza. There has been a sharp change in their stance.
