After exploring the 215-year-old neo-Gothic grandeur of Jakarta Cathedral in an earlier post, we now turn our attention to a more contemporary church that embraces a similar architectural spirit. The Church of Saint Lawrence in Alam Sutera, though significantly younger, draws inspiration from classical Gothic elements, blending tradition with modern functionality. This parish church was consecrated in 2009 by Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja, S.J., who served as the Archbishop of Jakarta at the time. While the main building was completed early on, the broader church complex—including supporting buildings and facilities—was gradually developed and only fully completed in 2016. The Alam Sutera Parish is in fact a proliferation of the Serpong Parish, which we previously featured. As the Catholic population in the greater Tangerang area grew—fueled by the rapid urban expansion and development of residential hubs like Alam Sutera—so too did the need for new parishes to better serve the faithful. Although the church is geographically situated in Alam Sutera, within South Tangerang in Banten Province, it remains under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Jakarta, alongside other parishes in the region.
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| The parish was a part of the Serpong Parish which we explored in the last post |
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| Saint Lawrence, the patron, was a 3rd-century deacon of Rome and a martyr |
The parish is dedicated to Saint Lawrence (also spelled Saint Laurence), a revered figure in early Christian history. Born around 225 AD, Lawrence served as one of the seven deacons of Rome under Pope Sixtus II. In this role, he was entrusted with the Church's treasury and the responsibility of distributing alms to the poor. Following the martyrdom of Pope Sixtus II during Emperor Valerian's persecution of Christians, Lawrence was ordered to surrender the Church's wealth but demonstrating profound faith and courage, he instead distributed the treasures to the poor. This act of defiance led to his arrest and subsequent martyrdom in 258 AD. Saint Lawrence's legacy endures as a symbol of selfless service and steadfast devotion. He is venerated as the patron saint of the poor among others his life continues to inspire acts of charity and courage within the Christian community.
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| This church is highly sought after as a venue to hold wedding ceremony |
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| The new church features a neo-Gothic architectural style |
In front of the Church of Saint Lawrence stands a statue of its patron saint, with the inscription of his most famous words: “Pauperes Sunt Thesauri Ecclesiae” (The poor are the treasure of the Church). This powerful phrase encapsulates Saint Lawrence’s enduring legacy of compassion, sacrifice, and service to the marginalized. His life and martyrdom serve as a timeless inspiration for the Church’s mission of social justice and care for the vulnerable. The church itself was designed by renowned Indonesian architect Jacob Gatot Surarjo (who is also known as the co-founder of the M Bloc Group), and it can accommodate up to 1,750 worshippers. Its neo-Gothic architectural style draws visual parallels to traditional European cathedrals, featuring distinctive twin spires, pointed arches, and stained glass windows that narrate stories from the life of Christ and the saints. Inside the church, a meaningful symbolic element takes center stage: twelve structural columns stand tall, representing the twelve apostles, reflecting not only beauty and reverence, but also deep theological meaning rooted in tradition and faith.
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Fun fact, this church was used in a production of a local horror movie in 2024
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| This nice presbytery is the residential building for the priests in the parish |
At the back of the church complex, just beside the presbytery, visitors will find a serene Marian grotto nestled among well-kept gardens. This peaceful corner, adorned with statues of heavenly angels, serves as a tranquil space for personal prayer, quiet contemplation, and moments of spiritual refuge. Whether stopping by after Mass or simply seeking a place for reflection, the grotto invites visitors to connect more intimately with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Interestingly, this Church of Saint Lawrence has also made its way into popular culture. It was recently featured in Kuasa Gelap (Dominion of Darkness), a 2024 Indonesian horror film that has drawn attention for being the first of its kind to explore Catholic exorcism in Indonesian cinema. The film delves into themes of spiritual warfare, demonic possession, and the Church’s role in confronting evil—subjects rarely addressed in the country’s cinematic media.
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This church is frequently included in the list of must-visit churches during the Jubilee year
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| This Mary Grotto is located at the back of the church complex |
In the context of faith, beyond cinematic fame, Saint Lawrence Church has also become one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the Archdiocese of Jakarta during the 2025 Jubilee Year, second only to Jakarta Cathedral. Currently, the establishment of a new parish in Gading Serpong is underway, being marked by the recent completion of a new building of Virgin Mary Church in Benteng Gading, serving as yet another testament to the continued growth of Catholicism in the area and in Indonesia as a whole. With its blend of spiritual depth, architectural grandeur, and a growing role in both faith and culture, the Church of Saint Lawrence in Alam Sutera stands as a beacon for the Catholic community in South Tangerang. Whether you're drawn by its beauty, its history, or simply seeking a quiet moment of prayer, this church offers a meaningful stop for reflection and inspiration.
Paroki Alam Sutera
Gereja Santo Laurensius
Location Jl Sutera Utama No 2, Alam Sutera, South Tangerang, Banten
Weekly Mas Schedule
Saturday, 05.00 PM, 07.30 PM
Sunday, 06.00 AM, 08.30 AM, 05.00 PM, 07.30 PM
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