The scent of incense hangs heavy in the air a comforting aroma that envelops you as you stand before Gereja Katholik Santa Stefanus. This isn’t just any church. It’s a testament to faith perseverance and the unique blend of Indonesian culture and Catholic devotion.
Gereja Katholik Santa Stefanus in Cilandak South Jakarta is more than just a place of worship. It’s a living story etched in brick and wood. Officially opened on May 1 1981 by Mgr Leo Soekoto SJ this parish church stands as a beacon of faith for the Cilandak community. What makes it truly special is its architecture a delightful fusion of traditional Javanese joglo house design and Catholic church structure. The interior echoes this blend. Imagine the rich dark wood of the traditional joglo creating a warm intimate space.
The story of Gereja Katholik Santa Stefanus began long before its inauguration. In the late 1960s three Catholic communities in Cilandak belonged to the larger parish of Santo Yohanes Penginjil. These communities yearned for their own closer place of worship. Their dream began to take shape in 1969. The parishioners started collecting funds from their monthly masses. They patiently saved for years the vision held firm.
By 1976 the plan to build a church in Cilandak gained momentum. A committee was formed to find the perfect location. A crucial step came on July 7 1977. The Cilandak sub-district officially confirmed the existence of 946 Catholic residents. This fulfilled a key requirement to obtain building permits for a new church.
On October 11 1977 Archbishop Leo Soekoto SJ appointed Fr Mark Fortner SCJ to lead this budding new parish. Fr Fortner a Dehonian priest from the United States initially served at Gereja Santo Antonius Padua. The parish of Cilandak officially came into being on October 15 1977. Fr Fortner initially resided in a parishioner’s home.
Early masses were held in borrowed locations. First in the Sport Hall Joint Embassy School then at Wisma Tan Miyat. The community persevered even after a fire in 1982 destroyed their temporary worship space. They found another temporary space a borrowed woodworking shop.
On December 27 1977 Archbishop Soekoto presented a symbolic brick to the Cilandak community. It carried an important message: “The best church is one that is a complete offering from the entire community to God.” That brick now rests beneath the altar a permanent reminder of their journey. Construction of Gereja Katholik Santa Stefanus finally began. On June 4 1979 the DKI Jakarta provincial government granted permission to build on a plot of land.
The construction concluded in 1981. The church was dedicated and blessed by Archbishop Soekoto. Even the Governor of DKI Jakarta Tjokropranolo attended. Since then Gereja Katholik Santa Stefanus has flourished. Additional buildings such as a rectory and a multipurpose hall have been added. A grotto dedicated to Mary Mother of Perpetual Help and a unique diorama of the Stations of the Cross enhance the grounds.
Today Gereja Katholik Santa Stefanus continues to serve its community a vibrant testament to faith dedication and the enduring beauty of cultural fusion. Look around. You’ve stood before a church that is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living legacy a story of hope and devotion.