In this post, we explore one of the older parishes in West Jakarta—Grogol Parish, from which both Tomang and Kedoya Parishes would later emerge. Nestled in the densely populated neighborhood of Jelambar, the Church of Saint Christopher stands tall in an area historically vulnerable to flooding, due in part to its proximity to the Kali Grogol River. During the rainy season, parishioners often had to wade through floodwaters reaching 30 to 40 cm just to attend Mass. While the river normalization project has significantly reduced the frequency of such events, flooding remains a persistent risk in the area. Fittingly, the church bears the name of Saint Christopher, a saint who holds special meaning for many facing water-related hardships. In Catholic devotion, he is revered as the patron of travelers, especially those crossing treacherous waters. According to legend, Christopher carried the Christ Child across a dangerous river, his name in Greek—Hágios Christóphoros—meaning "Christ-bearer." As a protector of those who journey through difficulty, Saint Christopher’s patronage resonates deeply with the faithful of this parish, who, for decades, have braved both floodwaters and time to keep their faith afloat.
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| Located in a packed residential area, Grogol Parish has faced frequent flooding over the years |
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| A large ark amid the floodwaters as the symbolism of Saint Christopher Church |
Like the Kedoya Parish featured in the previous post, this parish is also served by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Latin: Missionarii Sacratissimi Cordis, MSC). The origins of Grogol Parish trace back to 1960, when the Catholic community in Grogol and surrounding areas—including Tomang, Kedoya, Jelambar, Kebon Jeruk, and Tanjung Duren—began planning for a dedicated place of worship closer to the area. At the time, these neighborhoods still belonged to the older Kemakmuran Parish in Central Jakarta and faced challenges accessing the Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, largely due to limited public transportation. As the local Catholic population grew and the capacity of the church in Kemakmuran Parish became insufficient, the first Eucharistic celebration in Grogol was held in a private home in 1962. By 1963, the Stasi Grogol (outstation) was officially formed, and the Archdiocese of Jakarta also allocated the plot of land where the current church now stands—marking the beginning of a hopeful journey toward a new parish church, closer to the growing Catholic community in Grogol.
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| To enhance capacity and mitigate flood risks, the church underwent major renovations in 2021 |
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| During Mass, the church can welcome roughly 1,200 parishioners |
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Only a year later, Grogol Parish obtained full parish status from the Archdiocese of Jakarta on 12 August 1964. Construction of the church began in July 1967, led by Fr. H. Kemper, MSC, with a design by Dr. Ir. Bianpoen. The structure featured a modern architectural style with an ark-like shape, symbolizing a vessel of salvation amidst the flood-prone area of Grogol. The church was blessed on November 22, 1970, by Archbishop Leo Soekoto, S.J. Over the years, it underwent several renovations to accommodate a growing number of parishioners and to address recurring flooding issues. Notably, in 2021, a significant renovation project commenced, culminating in the construction of a new church building. This new structure was blessed and inaugurated on December 12, 2023, by Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo. The current architecture preserves the symbolic ark-like design, reflecting the parish’s resilience and the protective patronage of Saint Christopher. A new and modern Marian Grotto is situated beside the church’s large main doors. Above the statue is inscribed: “Sancta Maria Mater Immaculata Ora Pro Nobis” which means “Holy Mary, Immaculate Mother, pray for us.” At the entrance of the grotto, another inscription reads: “Per Mariam ad Jesum — Through Mary to Jesus.” This Latin phrase captures a deep truth in Catholic devotion: that Mary, the mother of Jesus, gently guides the faithful toward her Son. The inscription invites visitors to encounter Christ through her example, intercession, and love — a quiet yet powerful reminder that Marian devotion is always Christ-centered.
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| The church keeps its ark-like design, but the interior has been updated with a modern look |
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| During the Jubilee Year, it stands out as one of the most modern churches to visit |
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In front of the church, right beside the Santo Kristoforus Catholic School complex, stands a striking statue of St. Christopher carrying the Christ Child on his shoulder. With a staff in hand and waves carved beneath his feet, the sculpture evokes both the strength of faith and the mission of protection — a silent guardian at the gates of the parish. This powerful visual embodies the saint’s legendary act of safely carrying travelers across treacherous waters, a fitting symbol for a parish long familiar with the challenges of flooding. The statue was created by Fr. Boelaars, MSC, whose works have contributed to the artistic and devotional life of many churches in Indonesia. He was a Dutch-born priest, anthropologist, and missionary of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, who served in Indonesia. Fr. Boelaars was well-known not only for his academic work in cultural anthropology especially concerning Indonesian traditions and local customs but also for his artistic contributions. He created many religious statues, artworks, and church-related installations throughout Indonesia, particularly in Central Java and Jakarta.
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| This modern Marian Grotto serves as a symbol of devotion to Jesus through Mary |
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| The Christ-Bearer statue stands strong, symbolizing hope and resilience amid challenges |
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The Church of Saint Christopher is conveniently accessible by public transportation. For those taking the commuter line (KRL), simply stop at Grogol Station and enjoy a 15-minute walk to the church. Alternatively, if you're using the TransJakarta Busway, get off at Jelambar Bus Stop, which also leaves you about a 15-minute walk away. Having given rise to Tomang and Kedoya Parishes, Grogol Parish continues to grow. It currently oversees the St. Polycarp Stasi Church, inaugurated in 2011 with a seating capacity of approximately 700. From its humble beginnings in a flood-prone neighborhood to its resilient, ark-shaped sanctuary today, Saint Christopher’s Parish stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and protection — truly living up to the legacy of its patron saint, the Christ-bearer.
Paroki Grogol
Gereja Santo Kristoforus
Location Jalan Satria IV Blok C No 68, Jelambar, Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta
Weekly Mass Schedule
Saturday, 04.30 PM
Sunday, 07.00 AM, 10.00 AM, 04.30 PM
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