The Most Beautiful Churches in Indonesia

To say Indonesia is just the largest Muslim population would be an oversimplification. The nation is as diverse as it gets, with different religions and hundreds of ethnicities all dynamically interacting with one another. From neo gothic buildings to traditional style ones, discover the country’s most beautiful churches. Let find out The Most Beautiful Churches in Indonesia below.

The Most Beautiful Churches in Indonesia

Blenduk Church

As the oldest church in Central Java, this Protestant church was built in 1753 and until now remains a landmark of Semarang’s Old Town. The majestic bronze dome is unmissable even amid other stunning colonial buildings in the vicinity. In fact, the name blenduk means dome in the local dialect. This church oozes European style grandness with stunning portico, stained glass, and elegant all white exterior.

Jakarta Cathedral

Built with the neo gothic style typical to the time of construction in 1901, this cathedral looks more like the ones you’ll encounter in Europe than at the heart of the world’s largest Muslim nation. The façade mimics natural stone construction with towering spires and interior adorned with statues and symbolic objects. This church also serves as a heritage site and destination, as one of its three main spires houses a museum showcasing relics of Catholic rituals. That is once of The Most Beautiful Churches in Indonesia.

Palasari Church

Bustling with their own traditions and ceremonies. But even this locale isn’t sterile from the Balinese Hindu influence, but is instead acculturated neatly into a fascinating community. Palasari Church is a product of this unique community of Balinese Catholic. The architecture is a mishmash between gothic and traditional Balinese. Even the interior and relics from statues, altar, cross, and carvings all reflect this beautiful fusion. Local church members are also in the habit of attending church in traditional Balinese attire, similar to the one you’ll see sported by Balinese Hindu in their own religious ceremonies.

Gereja Maria Annai Velangkanni

At a glance, this Catholic church in Medan seems very much like an Indian Hindu temple. It has tiered roofs and Mughal style building structure. But once you look closely, you’ll spot the typical Catholic adornments like the cross and statues of the saints. The interior is even more churchy with more ornaments, altar, and benches for the congregation. This fusion church is a product of a thoughtful project dedicated to the Tamil Catholic community in the region, but anyone can worship or even visit this remarkable building.

GPIB Immanuel Kediri

Popular by the name Gereja Merah or the red church, this building catches attention with the striking colour and grandness. This church was built during the colonial era, but only in 1996 painted red, as per the priest’s instruction. Other than the colour, other elements of the architecture remain the same, a simpler take on neo gothic style filled with antique relics and furniture inside. Among centuries old heritage housed by this church is the 1867 copy of the gospel in Dutch.

Pohsarang Church

At first sight, this church in Kediri, East Java, may not look like much. But the thoughtful symbolism and philosophy at the foundation of this building is mind-blowing. The architecture is designed to agree with Javanese style the locals are used to, with earthy elements and humble nature. But the church is packed with rich symbols of biblical stories and teachings, from beautiful statues to carvings on the corner bars. The boat like roof represents Noah’s Ark, as if testifying The Almighty’s deliverance to everyone who sees it. It’s safe to say that this church is the architectural version of the gospel.