At the eastern gateway of West Jakarta, Kristus Salvator Church of Slipi Parish stands as more than just a spiritual home—it is a quiet witness to the ever-evolving story of Slipi. Once part of the colonial-era blueprint to expand new commercial zones beyond Tanah Abang Market, Slipi emerged as a strategic corridor linking trade, governance, and community life. The church’s location, just a stone’s throw from the nation's bustling Parliamentary Complex (DPR/MPR), places it at the crossroads of Indonesia’s political heartbeat. Over the years, the streets surrounding the parish have echoed with the voices of demonstrators, students, and citizens seeking justice and political reformation, transforming Slipi into a living canvas of civic expression. Slipi Parish was officially established in 1968, growing from a Catholic community that had formed in the area in 1966 and initially belonged to Grogol Parish. As the community expanded, it laid the foundation for the parish that we know today.
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| From humble beginnings, the parish has been quietly witnessing Jakarta’s evolving story |
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| Slipi may roar with traffic and tension, but within these walls, a different story unfolds |
In mid-1968, Fr. Clemens Schreurs, CICM, envisioned a new congregation center in Slipi. Responding to the growing pastoral need, the Archdiocese assigned CICM priests to serve the community—though the parish had no permanent place of worship at that time. Services were held in a modest chapel of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) within a Catholic school, and occasionally in the waiting area of a nearby clinic. During this formative period, parish activities were temporarily shared with Pejompongan Parish, also served by CICM priests—fostering seamless collaboration and mutual support.
The Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Latin: Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae, CICM) was founded in 1862 by Belgian priest Theophile Verbist (1823–1868) in Scheut, a suburb of Brussels. CICM missionaries first embarked on their ecclesiastical mission to China, followed by service in Congo, the Philippines, and Singapore, before arriving in Indonesia in 1937, beginning in Makassar, South Sulawesi. Their initial mission there laid the foundation for what is now the Archdiocese of Makassar.
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| The Porta Sancta leads to the Marian Grotto and church's main building at the back |
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| Step inside, and the noise of the city fades, replaced by the quiet strength of sanctuary |
Meanwhile, the effort to build a new church in Slipi was far from easy. It took several years and numerous rejections before a plot of land could be secured, and the necessary permits were finally granted. In 1971, a former workshop was renovated into a modest church. A year later, the church was consecrated by Mgr. Leo Soekoto, then Archbishop of Jakarta. With an initial capacity of 500 people, the church quickly became a spiritual anchor for the Slipi community, growing in harmony with the city’s rhythms. As the number of parishioners continued to rise, the original building could no longer accommodate the faithful. In 1982, a new plot of land behind the old church was acquired to build a larger worship space. Construction began the following year and was completed in 1985. Today, the original church building serves as the parish’s multifunction hall. The latest addition to the complex—an expansion of the pastoral service building—was completed in 2005, further supporting the parish’s evolving needs.
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| Sculpted by renowned Balinese artist Ida Bagus Tilem, the crucifix anchors the church in reverence |
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| Stained glass windows depicting the four evangelists flank the church's sanctuary |
Following its completion in 1985, the church’s main building now stands quietly at the back of the complex, sheltered from the busy main street. Though the placement may have been practical at the time, the church’s quiet location behind the complex now offers a sense of retreat and reflection—perfectly suited to its role as a spiritual haven. Located near areas known for strong public expression in a city that occasionally experiences large protests or moments of unrest, this sheltered position provides a sense of calm and safety.
The church features a modest yet dignified architectural style. The main sanctuary is spacious but unpretentious, designed to foster focus and reverence. Flanking the sanctuary are four stained glass windows, each depicting one of the Evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The geometric ceiling and clean lines reflect a modern sensibility, while wooden pews and tiled floors maintain a grounded, welcoming atmosphere. The altar, simple yet dignified, draws the eye toward the crucifix carved from solid teak wood by the renowned Balinese sculptor Ida Bagus Tilem of Desa Mas, Ubud. His craftsmanship blends spiritual reverence with artistic mastery, giving the figure of Christ a quiet dignity that invites contemplation.
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| Nestled in a quiet corner, the Marian grotto invites reflection and prayers |
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| The grotto is more than a garden, it is a space where devotion takes root |
The church's name Kristus Salvator—Christ the Savior—speaks to the heart of the parish’s mission. It is a declaration of faith, rooted in the belief that Christ redeems, restores, and walks with His people. As Matthew 1:21 proclaims, “She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” This name, given to the child born of the Virgin Mary, carries a promise of hope and salvation. Amid Jakarta’s urban rhythm, Slipi Parish stands as a quiet witness to this saving grace, offering sanctuary, sacrament, and solidarity.
Over the years, Kristus Salvator Church has become more than a building—it is a living testimony to the Savior who walks with His people. Amid the pulse of Jakarta, where life can be tumultuous and chaotic, grace is not distant or abstract, but present and personal. The parish remains a place of welcome, where salvation is not only proclaimed but embodied—in sacrament, in service, and in the shared journey of faith.
Paroki Slipi
Gereja Kristus Salvator
Location Jalan Aipda KS Tubun No. 128, Slipi, West Jakarta, Jakarta
Weekly Mass Schedule
Saturday, 05.00 PM
Sunday, 06.30 AM, 09.00 AM, 05.00 PM
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