During one of the key moments of the widely covered apostolic visit to Indonesia in early September 2024, the late Pope Francis made a historic stop at two of the country’s most significant religious landmarks: the Jakarta Cathedral, the largest Catholic church in the capital, and the Istiqlal Mosque, which holds the distinction of being the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. These two iconic places of worship stand directly across from each other, symbolizing not just geographical proximity, but also the longstanding spirit of religious coexistence and mutual respect that Indonesia upholds. In a powerful gesture of interfaith harmony, Pope Francis also visited the “Tunnel of Friendship”, an underground passage that physically connects the mosque and the cathedral. This tunnel is more than a piece of infrastructure — it stands as a tangible symbol of peace, friendship, and dialogue between the country’s two largest religious communities. His visit to this space sent a strong and hopeful message to the world: that even in diversity, unity and respect are possible. During the visit, Pope Francis warmly embraced Prof. Dr. KH. Nazaruddin Umar, who was then serving as the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque and now holds the position of Indonesia’s Minister for Religious Affairs — a moment that deeply moved many and became a symbol of Indonesia’s interreligious harmony.
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| The cathedral is located at the heart of Jakarta |
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| Virgin Mary is the patron saint of this magnificent cathedral |
Indonesia officially recognizes six religions: Catholicism, Islam, Protestantism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism. While Islam is the faith of the majority, the Catholic Church in Indonesia continues to play an important role in education, healthcare, and community outreach — often in collaboration with people of other faiths. The late Pope’s presence in Jakarta not only strengthened ties between the Vatican and the Indonesian Catholic Church but also highlighted Indonesia’s unique example of pluralism and interfaith dialogue in action. One of the most prominent symbols of the Catholic Church’s presence in Indonesia is its national cathedral — a landmark both spiritual and historical. Officially named The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, the cathedral is also the seat of the Archbishop of Jakarta. Located in the heart of Central Jakarta, The Jakarta Cathedral can host as many as 4,000 people in total, making it not only the oldest but also largest catholic church in the nation’s capital.
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| The Tower of David and this south Ivory Tower is 60 meters tall |
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| This current cathedral building was consecrated on 21 April 1901 |
The original building of the cathedral was consecrated in 1829, but over time, issues with the materials arose, causing the structure to deteriorate and eventually collapsed. The construction of the present cathedral building began in 1891 and it was completed in 1901, when it was consecrated as De Kerk van Onze Lieve Vrouwe ten Hemelopneming (the Dutch name corresponding to the current official title). The cathedral was designed by Pastor Antonius Dijkmans, SJ in a Neo-Gothic architecture which was very popular at that time. The tallest two spires, The Tower of David and The Ivory Tower, are 60 meters tall, while the middle spire, The Angelus Dei Tower, is 45 meters tall. A statue of Virgin Mary, the patron of this cathedral, can be found at the main portal along with a Latin inscription “Beatam Me Dicentes Omnes Generationes” meaning “All generations shall call me blessed”. The main hall measures 60 meters in length and 10 meters in width, with an additional 5 meters of aisles on each side.
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The cathedral features three distinct altars
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| The Altar of Saint Joseph and the Verschueren organ can be seen here |
The cathedral features three distinct altars, each rich in history and craftsmanship. The main altar, located at the center, dates back to the 19th century and was originally part of a Jesuit church in Groningen, the Netherlands, before being brought to Indonesia. To the left stands “The Altar of Saint Mary”, crafted in 1915, and on the right side is “The Altar of Saint Joseph”, completed in 1922, symbolizing the role as the patrons of the universal Church. To the left of the altars is the bishop’s throne, or cathedra, a symbol of the authority of the Archbishop of Jakarta. On the opposite side stands the majestic Verschueren pipe organ, an instrument that complements the cathedral’s solemn liturgy. The cathedral’s interior is richly decorated with floral motifs that appear on the pillars, wall carvings, and stained-glass windows, adding a sense of harmony and elegance throughout the sacred space. These details reflect the influence of Neo-Gothic architecture, evoking a sense of reverence, beauty, and continuity with the Church’s European heritage.
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| In certain part, old spelling of Bahasa Indonesia is still used |
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| This lush Marian Grotto is an important part of this cathedral |
The Marian Grotto is nestled within a small but beautifully maintained garden near the cathedral’s administration office, offering visitors a peaceful space for quiet prayer and reflection amid the greenery. Just a few steps away, between the office and the main sanctuary, stands the Cathedral Museum — a site I will explore further in a separate post. Because of its historical importance, architectural grandeur, and role as the seat of the Archbishop of Jakarta — who is also currently Indonesia’s only active cardinal — the Jakarta Cathedral is often regarded as the unofficial national church for Catholics in Indonesia, and certainly the most prominent in the capital. In a world where religious extremism and intolerance are becoming more visible, this sacred space shines as a beacon of unity, fostering dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among different faiths — a living testimony to Indonesia’s commitment to religious pluralism.
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| The cathedral's main spires illuminate the facade at night |
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| Just across the street we can see and also visit the Istiqlal Mosque |
Visiting the Jakarta Cathedral at the start of my Jubilee pilgrimage has reminded me that sacred journeys don’t always have to begin in faraway places. Sometimes, the most profound encounters with faith, history, and hope can be found right in our own city. As I continue this spiritual journey through other churches in the Archdiocese of Jakarta, I carry with me the beauty, meaning, and sense of unity that this cathedral represents — not only for Catholics but for all who long for peace and understanding in a diverse world.
Paroki Katedral Jakarta
Gereja Katedral Santa Perawan Maria Diangkat ke Surga
Location Jl Katedral No 7B, Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta
Weekly Mass Schedule
Saturday, 04.00 PM, 06.30 PM
Sunday, 06.00 AM, 08.30 AM, 11.00 AM, 04.30 PM, 07.00 PM
Website https://katedraljakarta.or.id/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katedraljakarta
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