One of the neighboring parishes to my home parish of Kosambi Baru is Bojong Indah Parish. In fact, the two churches are less than seven kilometers apart. Interestingly, Kosambi Baru Parish was, in fact, founded as a result of the expansion of Bojong Indah Parish. Before becoming its own parish, Bojong Indah served as a part of the older Cengkareng Parish, which was featured in our previous post. This parish now serves the Catholic faithful in growing residential area of Bojong Indah, Kembangan, and Puri Indah. The parish is served by priests from the Archdiocese of Jakarta, ensuring pastoral care and liturgical guidance rooted in the wider diocesan mission. With its origins intertwined with neighboring parishes and the Archdiocese’s guidance, Bojong Indah Parish has become a distinct chapter in West Jakarta’s Catholic story.
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| The church’s façade rises quietly in Bojong Indah, a familiar landmark for the faithful |
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| Consecrated in 1992, the church has grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant spiritual home |
To understand its present, we begin with its past: the founding of Bojong Indah Parish. As previously mentioned, this parish emerged as an extension of Cengkareng Parish. By the late 1970s, the Catholic community in Bojong Indah had grown steadily, spurred by the development of residential complexes in the area. In 1981, Archbishop Mgr Leo Sukoto, SJ officially established Bojong Indah as a new parish. From that point on, regular services were held in temporary locations, including Trinitas and Lamohot schools, as well as several parishioners’ homes. To better serve the growing parish community, plans for a new church were soon underway. Over the following years, several plots of land were gradually acquired to support the construction. A temporary shelter was constructed to accommodate church services.
However, the building project for the new church was postponed due to limited resources and could only be resumed after the completion of Trinity Church in Cengkareng Parish. While the main church project was on hold, it was decided to build a Marian Grotto named Mary, Mother of the Redeemer. This grotto would feature a Pietà statue, offering a quiet space for reflection and prayer. The construction of the new church began in 1990 and was completed in 1992. Designed by Johan Gunawan and Irene Gunawan, the octagonal-shaped building can accommodate up to 1,000 people. On 23 August 1992, the Church of Saint Thomas the Apostle was solemnly consecrated by Archbishop Mgr Leo Sukoto, SJ—marking a significant milestone in the history of Bojong Indah Parish.
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| The sanctuary’s calm atmosphere reminds worshippers of the Gospel’s enduring presence |
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| Soft-toned marble lines the sanctuary and around nave, gently framing the Stations of the Cross |
Inside the church, the design reflects both simplicity and reverence. The high folded ceilings and the symmetrical rows of dark wooden pews guide the eye toward the elevated altar. At the heart of the sanctuary stands a prominent crucifix, mounted against a large arched backdrop. Flanking the crucifix are artistic representations of the Four Evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—reinforcing the church’s scriptural foundation. Though I haven’t witnessed it firsthand since they were not on during my visit, my online exploration of this church revealed a thoughtful use of liturgical lighting around the crucifix and the frames of the Four Evangelists. These lights appear to change according to the Church calendar—white during Easter, rose (pink) in anticipation of it, and other colors reflecting the spiritual tone of each season. This subtle yet meaningful design choice deepens the sanctuary’s atmosphere, visually guiding parishioners through the rhythm of worship and reflection, one shaped by its patron, St. Thomas the Apostle.
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Named after St. Thomas the Apostle, the church draws inspiration from his journey
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| Nestled in a corner, the Marian grotto offers a serene space for prayer and devotion |
St. Thomas the Apostle is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Born in Galilee, Judea, Thomas—also known as Didymus, meaning “the Twin”—became a devoted follower of Jesus. Though often remembered for his moment of doubt following the resurrection, his story is ultimately one of deep faith and conviction. When told by the other disciples that Jesus had risen, Thomas famously responded, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Yet when Jesus appeared to him, Thomas proclaimed with awe and reverence, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
According to tradition, Thomas journeyed beyond the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel in India. He is believed to have died a martyr’s death in Chennai (formerly Madras), India in 76 AD, and is honored as the patron saint of Indian Christians. As the patron of Bojong Indah Parish, St. Thomas embodies the spirit of seeking truth through faith. His legacy inspires the parish community to embrace both spiritual reflection and bold witness, especially in times of uncertainty. The church’s dedication to him serves as a reminder that doubt, when met with grace, can lead to profound belief.
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| The pastoral building hums with activity—supporting ministries, outreach, and daily parish life |
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| In this quiet corner, devotion to St. Peregrine finds a home and prayers rise for healing |
Today, the statue of the patron saint stands tall behind the church, in front if the pastoral building, near the Marian Grotto. Consecrated in 2022, it serves as a visual tribute to St. Thomas the Apostle’s enduring legacy. Beneath the statue is inscribed the words of Jesus to Thomas: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (John 20:29)—a poignant reminder of faith that transcends doubt. Meanwhile, the grotto—the first structure built within the church complex—has since been renovated into a serene, enclosed space for prayer and devotion. It offers a more intimate setting for reflection, drawing parishioners and visitors alike into quiet moments of grace. In its spirit of hospitality, the parish also offers English-language Masses twice a month—on the first and third Saturdays—welcoming the diverse faithful of West Jakarta into deeper communion.
St. Thomas the Apostle may not have had the boat of Peter or the boldness of Andrew. His life, marked by scarcity and caution, made him hesitant—often expecting the worst. Many have misunderstood him as merely “the doubter,” yet his story reveals something far more profound: a man who dared to question, and in doing so, found a deeper truth. In this church dedicated to his name, the legacy of Thomas lives on—not as a warning against doubt, but as a witness to the grace that meets us in our uncertainty. His journey reminds us that faith is not the absence of questions, but the courage to seek answers in the presence of Christ.
Paroki Bojong Indah
Gereja Santo Thomas Rasul
Location Jl Pakis Raya Blok G5 No 20, Rawa Buaya, West Jakarta
Weekly Mass Schedule
Saturday, 04.00 PM*
(English Mass every first and third Saturday of the month)
Sunday, 06.00 AM, 08.30 AM, 11.00 AM, 04.00 PM
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