Ready to uncover a tale of faith and perseverance right here in Jakarta? We are standing before the Paroki Lubang Buaya Kalvari. This Catholic church has a story that stretches back over three decades.
The story of Paroki Lubang Buaya Kalvari begins as part of the Santo Robertus Bellarminus Church in Cililitan. In August 1981 the Cililitan Parish Council bought land in Pondok Gede. This land was intended for building a school. In October 1986 a temporary committee formed to plan a church in Pondok Gede.
Celebrations then started at the Kologad Hall and the Santa Catharina Chapel. The community was named “Kalvari” by Father Justinus Muji Santara. Services were held at the Santo Markus II school. In March 1991 the Jakarta Archdiocese cancelled plans to establish the Kalvari Parish.
Construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on February 7 1993. Father Franciscus Xaverius Arko Sudiono led the ceremony. The initial building was called a bedeng. Archbishop Leo Soekoto blessed it on April 4 1993. In March 1995 Oblates of Mary Immaculate priests began serving at the church. This was part of the plan to expand the church into a parish.
Paroki Kalvari officially became a parish on July 1 1995. In 2006 diocesan priests from the Jakarta Archdiocese took over. The bedeng often flooded due to the overflowing Sunter River.
The church finally received its building permit on December 21 2021. Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan and Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo attended the ceremony. The first stone was laid during the event. The permit process faced issues because the building coefficient was insufficient. This was due to the already existing school. Efforts increased the coefficient allowing the permit to proceed.
The roof completion was celebrated on March 25 2024. The last Mass in the bedeng was on Pentecost Sunday May 19 2024. Services then moved to the new church basement. The new building is designed to be environmentally friendly.
On September 14 2024 the church was consecrated by Archbishop Suharyo. This fulfilled the community’s 33-year wait. The blessing began with a marching band and Betawi art performance. Ondel-ondel figures were also displayed. The church doors opened after a key handover and blessing of the Ecce Homo statue. The Mayor of East Jakarta M. Anwar attended the inauguration.
Paroki Lubang Buaya Kalvari faced many challenges. Getting the building permit took 30 years. The community persevered through floods and limited space. Their dedication transformed a simple bedeng into a beautiful new church.
Today Paroki Lubang Buaya Kalvari stands as a symbol of faith patience and community spirit. Its journey reflects the devotion of its members. It showcases their commitment to building a lasting place of worship. As you leave take a moment to reflect on the long road. Remember the unwavering spirit that built this house of God.