Nestled within the historic grounds of Jakarta Cathedral in Central Jakarta, the Cathedral Museum offers visitors a unique window into the history of the Cathedral and Catholicism in Indonesia. First opened to the public on 28 April 1991, the museum was the brainchild of Fr. Rudolphus Kurris, SJ, who led the Jakarta Cathedral Parish at the time. His vision was to preserve and share the long-standing legacy of Catholicism in the archdiocese through a dedicated space for sacred artifacts, historical records, and liturgical items. The museum was later moved to the current two-storey building within the cathedral complex in 2017 to better accommodate its growing collection and to enhance the visitor experience. This building, which had previously served as the parish's presbytery and after the refurbishment, the museum was consecrated and officially reopened in 2018 by Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, the Archbishop of Jakarta, marking a new chapter in its mission to educate and inspire the faithful and visitors alike.
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| The Catedral Museum was initially inaugurated in 1991 and moved here in 2017 |
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| The building was formerly used as the church's secretariat office and presbytery |
The Cathedral Museum houses a collection of around 400 historical items, ranging from liturgical vestments and sacred vessels to old photographs, manuscripts, and architectural relics. Though modest in physical size, the museum offers a narrative about the history of Catholicism in Indonesia, as well as the early development of the Cathedral Church and the Archdiocese of Jakarta. Through its bilingual information panels, visitors are guided through the timeline of the Church’s presence in the archipelago. The museum highlights that the spread of Catholicism in Indonesia traces back to the early 16th century with the arrival of the Portuguese explorers and missionaries. Driven by their dual ambitions of trade and evangelization, the Portuguese landed in the Maluku Islands (also known as the Spice Islands), laying the foundation for the Catholic faith in the region. However, this initial wave of missionary activity experienced a significant shift in the early 17th century, when the Dutch East India Company or Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) seized control of Batavia (the former name of Jakarta) in 1619. Unlike the Portuguese, the Dutch were largely affiliated with Protestantism and discouraged Catholic practices, leading to a period of suppression and limited growth for the Catholic Church in the Dutch-controlled territories.
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| This old wheelchair was used by an Ursulin Sister back in 1856 |
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| This area highlights the archbishops of Jakarta since the Batavia days |
Under the strict and repressive governance of Governor General Jan Pieterszoon Coen of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), the practice of Catholicism in the Dutch East Indies was severely restricted. Catholics were forbidden from congregating publicly, and any form of organized worship was met with harsh punishment. During this period of suppression, which lasted well beyond Coen’s administration and even a few years after the VOC was officially dissolved in 1799, the Catholic Church was effectively forced underground. Masses and sacraments were conducted in secret, away from the eyes of the colonial authorities. A turning point came in the early 19th century, following political shifts in Europe and in 1807, Pope Pius VII took a decisive step toward reestablishing the Catholic Church's presence in the region by appointing RD Jacobus Nelissen as Prefect Apostolic of Batavia. His appointment on 8 May 1807 is widely regarded as the official founding date of the Catholic Church in Indonesia, marking the beginning of a new era of institutional growth for the faith in the archipelago.
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| This model depicts the main cathedral along with its surrounding support buildings |
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| The museum's collection includes liturgical items used in previous papal visits |
One of the museum’s most notable sections showcases memorabilia from the three papal visits to Indonesia—each a significant milestone in the country’s Catholic history. The first was a brief but historic visit by Pope Paul VI in 1970, marking the first time a reigning pope had ever set foot in the archipelago. Nearly two decades later, Pope John Paul II made a more extensive pastoral visit in 1989, drawing large crowds and further strengthening the ties between the Vatican and the Indonesian Catholic community. Most recently, in 2024, the museum commemorates the emotional visit of Pope Francis, whose presence was especially meaningful to the faithful after years of anticipation. Among the highlights of this collection are several artifacts from the 2024 papal mass at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium, including the simple wooden chair used by the Pope during the liturgy. There are also commemorative items associated with the mass, all carefully preserved to mark this once-in-a-generation event. Although I was unable to attend the mass at GBK in person—each parish had a limited quota of attendees due to logistical constraints—I was still able to participate by joining the live-streamed mass at my parish church. To my surprise, the church was completely full, a testament to how deeply this moment resonated with the Catholic community, even among those who couldn’t see the Pope in person.
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| These chairs were used by late Pope Francis and the Archbishops during recent visit |
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| Other commemorative collection includes these official national stamps |
Beyond papal memorabilia, the Cathedral Museum also preserves a fascinating array of sacred relics and objects that reflect the depth and continuity of Catholic tradition in Indonesia. Among the collection are holy relics, monstrances used for Eucharistic adoration, centuries-old Bibles, and parish registry books that document baptisms, weddings, and other sacraments from long ago. These records offer a rare glimpse into the lives and faith journeys of earlier generations of Catholics in Jakarta. The museum also displays several vintage liturgical vestments, as well as household items that once belonged to clergy who resided in the old presbytery—the very building that now houses the museum itself. These everyday objects, though simple, bring a human dimension to the Church's long history, reminding visitors of the people who quietly sustained the faith over the years. Although modest in scale, the Cathedral Museum provides a rich and meaningful insight into the spiritual, historical, and cultural heritage of Jakarta Cathedral and the Archdiocese of Jakarta. It also serves as a valuable resource for understanding the early development of Catholicism in Indonesia, especially during times of struggle and resurgence.
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| This matrimony registry book is almost 200 years old |
For anyone interested in religious history, or simply in learning how faith has shaped Indonesian society, this museum is a quiet but powerful stop worth making. Visiting the Cathedral Museum was not only an educational experience, but also a deeply moving one. Walking through its quiet halls and viewing each carefully preserved item allowed me to appreciate just how far the Catholic Church in Indonesia has come—from its humble, persecuted beginnings to the vibrant and diverse community it is today. Though small, the museum serves as a bridge between the past and present, reminding us that faith endures not just through grand cathedrals and papal visits, but also through the ordinary lives, quiet resilience, and unwavering devotion of the people who came before us. It left me with a renewed sense of gratitude and pride to be part of this continuing story.
Museum Katedral
Keuskupan Agung Jakarta
Location Jl Katedral No 7B, Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday, 10.00 AM to 04.00 PM
Monday, closed
Entrance Fee
Free of charge
Website https://katedraljakarta.or.id/
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