Another parish within the West Jakarta II Deanery of the Archdiocese of Jakarta is Kedoya Parish, whose territorial boundaries directly border Tomang Parish, which we featured in our previous post. Like Tomang, Kedoya Parish is also a result of the territorial proliferation from Grogol Parish, having been established just a few years later. Located in the Green Garden residential area in Kedoya, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, the parish emerged in response to the area's growing Catholic population in the late 1970s. Initially starting as a stasi (outstation) in 1982, worship services were held in various temporary venues—including a parishioner's home, shophouses, a Christian school, and even a Protestant church. The community’s perseverance bore fruit when Kedoya was officially recognized as a full parish on 26 November 1986, marking a significant milestone for the local Catholic faithful. Saint Andrew was chosen as the patron, fittingly close to his feast day on 30 November. Kedoya Parish is served by priests from the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Latin: Missionarii Sacratissimi Cordis, MSC). Since its establishment, the parish has consistently been under the pastoral care of MSC priests, with support from the Sisters of the Sacred Heart (HK) in various pastoral and community activities.
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| Kedoya Parish is located in Kedoya, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta |
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The church and its parish complex feature uniquely asymmetrical layouts
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The initial design for the new church was once again entrusted to Han Awal & Partners—the same architectural firm behind the MBK Church—around mid-1989. The goal was to replace the temporary church structure that had been built earlier that year. However, a sudden road infrastructure project altered the shape of the land, resulting in a skewed and irregular plot. This unexpected change forced the architects to rework the design to fit the new conditions. The revised architectural concept embraced an organic design that is functional, inclusive, comfortable, and responsive to the tropical climate. The church walls were clad in natural stone to evoke a sense of strength and stability. The ceiling, with its folded contours, often reminds visitors of a ship's sails, though its design actually draws inspiration from the traditional Hindu symbol of the Makara, or crown. Having secured the necessary building permit from the Governor of Jakarta in 1993, construction commenced in June of that year. Sixteen months later, on 26 November 1994, the Church of Saint Andrew was officially completed and inaugurated by Archbishop Mgr. Leo Soekoto, S.J., along with the Mayor of West Jakarta, Drs. Sutardjianto. Architecturally, the church stands out as one of the most striking in the region—remarkably asymmetrical and visually distinctive.
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| Traditional values and climate considerations were incorporated into the design |
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A balcony at the back expands the overall capacity of the church
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Over the years, the church has undergone several phases of expansion and improvement to better serve its growing community. In 2003, the parish built the three-story St. Thomas Aquinas Building to house the adjacent St. Andrew Catholic School. That same year, an additional plot of land was acquired to help ease parking challenges during large gatherings.
A major milestone was reached with the completion of Wisma Siti Mariam (St. Mary Hall) in 2005, which was inaugurated in 2006. More than just a multipurpose facility, Wisma Siti Mariam was envisioned as a space for community engagement and interreligious dialogue—reflecting the parish’s commitment to harmony and cooperation in Jakarta’s diverse religious landscape. The hall has since hosted a variety of programs that foster mutual understanding between faith communities. Behind the church, a Marian grotto offers a peaceful space for personal prayer. Unlike the traditional cave-like structures, this grotto is designed as an open-air shrine with shaded coverings to protect visitors from the sun. Encircling the church building, parishioners can also reflect on a beautifully designed outdoor Stations of the Cross, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the church environment.
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Each side of the church has different dimensions to adapt to space constraints
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| Unlike most Marian grottos, this one is situated in an open space |
A statue of Saint Andrew stands on the church grounds, leaning against a saltire—an X-shaped cross that symbolizes his martyrdom. According to tradition, Saint Andrew was crucified on this crux decussata, now widely known as Saint Andrew's Cross, at his own request as he felt unworthy to die on the same type of cross as Jesus. Born in Bethsaida, Galilee, in the first century, Andrew was originally a disciple of John the Baptist. Upon encountering Jesus and recognizing Him as the Messiah, Andrew immediately sought out his brother, Simon Peter, and introduced him to Jesus—an act that would profoundly shape the future of the Christian faith. Both brothers were fishermen by trade. One day, as they were casting their nets into the Sea of Galilee, Jesus called out to them, saying, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Without hesitation, Andrew and Simon Peter left their nets behind and followed Him, becoming among the first of the twelve apostles. From Saint Andrew, we are reminded of the quiet strength of discipleship—marked not by fame, but by faithfulness. His willingness to bring others to Christ, his humility in recognizing his unworthiness, and his courage to follow Jesus unto death, all speak to the core of what it means to live as a true witness of the Gospel.
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| On April 30, 2017, the Stations of the Cross were solemnly consecrated |
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| Saint Andrew with his X-shaped cross, a symbol of his sacrifice |
The Church of Saint Andrew in Kedoya stands as a living tribute to these values—offering a spiritual home where the faithful are called to carry on the same mission of witness, humility, and evangelization in today’s ever-evolving urban landscape. At the same time, the parish embraces its broader role in Jakarta’s pluralistic society by fostering interreligious dialogue and mutual respect, building bridges of peace in the heart of the city.
Paroki Kedoya
Gereja Santo Andreas
Location Green Garden Blok J5 No1, Kedoya, West Jakarta
Weekly Mass Schedule
Saturday, 04.30 PM
Sunday, 06.00 AM, 08.30 AM, 11.00 AM, 04.30 PM
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