Located just 20 minutes from Serpong Parish across the BSD area in South Tangerang, the Parish of Villa Melati Mas is the newest proliferation of Serpong Parish—the same mother parish from which Alam Sutera and other parishes also emerged. The parish’s church is located within the residential area of Villa Melati Mas. The earliest plan to establish a new church in this area dates back to 1990. However, at that time, all available resources were directed toward the construction of Saint Monica Church, which became the center of the newly formed Serpong Parish. Sixteen years later, recognizing the growing number of worshippers in the region, the parish revived the idea of building a new church to better serve the faithful in Villa Melati Mas. By 2008, a planning committee had been formed, and the necessary building permits had been granted by the local government. Initially, a 2,100-square-meter plot was designated for the construction of a chapel. However, due to the increasing needs of the Catholic community, the committee sought additional land. Eventually, an additional larger site measuring 5,665 square meters was secured—the very ground on which the present church now stands.
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| Gereja Santo Ambrosius located in Villa Melati Mas residential complex |
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Saint Ambrose of Milan was an influential 4th-century ecclesiastical figure
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Construction of the church began in 2009 and was completed in 2015. The Church of Saint Ambrose was officially consecrated on December 20, 2015, by the Archbishop of Jakarta, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, marking a new chapter in the spiritual life of the faithful in Villa Melati Mas and its surroundings. At the time, it still functioned as a stasi (outstation) under the jurisdiction of the Serpong Parish. Later in the following year, recognizing the growing number of worshippers and the maturity of its pastoral community, the church was elevated to the status of a quasi parish (administrative parish). In February 2017, it reached a new milestone when it was officially granted full parish status. This important occasion was joyfully commemorated with a special Eucharistic celebration, once again presided over by Cardinal Suharyo. Saint Ambrose Church envisions itself as a vibrant community of faithful believers who care for one another, share generously, and remain close to the people—living out the spirit of its patron saint in everyday life.
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| The church was consecrated in 2016, one of the youngest in the Arcdiochese of Jakarta |
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| Open side doors keep the church cool and airy even on a hot day |
Saint Ambrose, who served as the Bishop of Milan in the 4th century, was originally a distinguished statesman before dedicating his life to the Church. Prior to his ecclesiastical role, he held the important position of Governor of Aemilia-Liguria, based in Milan, as appointed by the Roman Emperor Valentinian I. Ambrose’s reputation for legal expertise and his fluency in multiple languages made him a trusted official in the administration. According to legend, when the bishopric of Milan became vacant following the death of Bishop Auxentius, the city was deeply divided between Arian and Nicene Christian factions, each vying for their preferred successor. Ambrose was sent by the emperor to mediate the dispute. During a public gathering where the decision was to be made, a child’s sudden cry of “Ambrose for bishop!” echoed through the crowd. This unexpected outburst quickly turned into widespread support, with many citizens demanding Ambrose as their new bishop—even though he was still a layman at the time. His tenure as Bishop of Milan became highly influential and his eloquent writings and hymns contributed significantly to the development of Western Christian thought, earning him recognition as one of the most important Church Fathers of the 4th century (alongside Saint Augustine of Hippo, Saint Jerome, and Saint Gregory the Great).
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| The high ceiling also helps air circulation in this church |
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The presbytery and secretariat office are located across the church
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In Villa Melati Mas Parish, the statue of Saint Ambrose stands tall within the church grounds, serving as a visual tribute to the life and legacy of this great 4th-century bishop and Doctor of the Church. The penitential prayer of Saint Ambrose of Milan can be found beneath the statue, which reads:
O Lord, who has mercy upon all, take away from me my sins, and mercifully kindle in me the fire of your Holy Spirit. Take away from me the heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh, a heart to love and adore You, a heart to delight in You, to follow and enjoy You, for Christ’s sake. Amen
His wisdom, courage, and theological influence continue to inspire the faithful, and his presence here symbolizes the spirit of pastoral leadership and service that guides the parish. Adjacent to the church building is the presbytery, which also functions as the parish secretariat and administrative center. Despite the warm tropical climate, the church hall remains comfortably cool during the day thanks to its open architectural design. The high ceilings and large side doors—which were left open—create excellent air circulation that brings a refreshing breeze throughout the worship space, as I experienced during my visit. Natural light and ventilation give the space a serene and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for prayer and reflection. To the side of the church stands the Marian Grotto, named Gua Maria Pemersatu—the Marian Grotto of Unity. Shaded by a protective awning, this quiet space invites the faithful to pause, reflect, and pray in peace.
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In tone with the rest of the church, this Marian Grotto of Unity looks neat
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| Next to the church is a Protestant HKBP church—reflecting the spirit of interfaith tolerance |
A remarkable sign of religious tolerance in the area is the presence of a Protestant church—belonging to the Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP) denomination—located just next door. This side-by-side existence of two different Christian traditions exemplifies the harmony and mutual respect that characterizes the neighborhood. Together, these elements make Saint Ambrose Parish not only a spiritual home for many Catholics in South Tangerang but also a living example of how faith, community, and tolerance can thrive side by side in modern Indonesia.
Paroki Villa Melati Mas
Gereja Santo Ambrosius
Location Villa Melati Mas Blok O6 No 26, Jelupang, Serpong Utara, South Tangerang, Banten
Weekly Mas Schedule
Saturday, 05.00 PM
Sunday, 08.00 AM, 11.00 PM, 05.00 PM
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