“Solemnly connected while remaining safe” is not just a slogan here. It’s the spirit that guides Vihara Dhammacakka Jaya. This is a beacon of Theravada Buddhism in Jakarta. It stands as the first Theravada vihara in Indonesia with its own Simā.
Vihara Dhammacakka Jaya began with a vision. Bhikkhu Sombat from Thailand wanted to create a place for Indonesian monks to be ordained. He dreamed of a mother temple for Theravada Buddhism in Indonesia. Bhikkhu Sombat searched for the perfect land. He sought a place to build a vihara with an Uposathagara. This is essential for ordaining new monks.
A tip from a Thai psychic pointed him to North Jakarta. The psychic spoke of a location that was once a city center. It had elevated land and a large tree with a water source beneath. Bhikkhu Sombat and Liem Tiang Seng searched diligently. They discovered a promising plot in Sunter. Two large trees grew there with a clear spring beneath them. Anton Haliman of PT. Agung Podomoro controlled the land.
Bhikkhu Sombat enlisted Bhikkhu Pannavaro’s help. They met Anton Haliman. The initial plan was to buy just a thousand square meters. Anton Haliman suggested buying a whole hectare. He pledged to help if they secured a building permit from the Jakarta Governor. Getting the permit proved surprisingly easy. Anton Haliman then arranged for PT. Agung Podomoro to grant the land. It gave 8640 square meters for the vihara construction.
The Vihara Jakarta Dhammacakka Jaya embodies more than just worship. It is a social hub. The complex includes educational facilities. It provides care for the sick and elderly. There is also space for orphaned children, meeting halls and cultural museums. It meets the needs of the community.
Bhikkhu Sombat oversaw the construction. He lived on site. The Simā or Uposathāgāra was the first structure built. Vihara Jakarta Dhammacakka Jaya has significantly impacted the growth of Buddha Dhamma in Indonesia. Especially around Jakarta.
At its opening in 1985 only a few people came to the Vihara Dhammacakka Jaya. Now it bursts with activity. The community has outgrown the space. An eight-story building is planned behind the Uposathagara. It will house the growing number of children and youth programs.
During the pandemic, Vihara Dhammacakka Jaya innovated. It began offering online worship services. Logitech Room Solutions helped them maintain high audio and video quality. Ardi Utama said that Logitech Video Collaboration enhances the online worship experience. It allows people to worship solemnly and feel connected.