Amidst Jakarta’s vibrant chaos stands the Gereja Katolik Maria Kusuma Karmel a beacon of faith and community. This isn’t just any church. It’s a testament to unwavering belief. It’s a story etched in the very stones of its walls.
The Gereja Katolik Maria Kusuma Karmel’s journey began in 1985. The existing Maria Bunda Karmel parish was overflowing with approximately 15000 parishioners. A new parish was needed for effective pastoral work. An ad hoc committee was formed to explore the possibility of a new church.
For two years they searched. They considered several locations. Taman Aries Kebon Jeruk Joglo Puri Kembangan and Permata Buana were all on the shortlist. Finally in 1988 the ad hoc committee became the Gereja Katolik Maria Kusuma Karmel’s Building Committee. Their focus narrowed. They sought land south of the Jakarta-Merak toll road.
A significant turning point came on August 5 1990. The Tomang Parish Council officially approved the Gereja Katolik Maria Kusuma Karmel Building Committee. The new parish’s boundaries were defined. It encompassed Taman Meruya Ilir Taman Aries Alfa Indah and Joglo. The Archbishop of Jakarta approved land purchase on September 17 1990. On October 18 1990 the Maria Bunda Karmel Parish donated a substantial sum 300 million Rupiah to kickstart the project.
The Gereja Katolik Maria Kusuma Karmel Building Committee established the Maria Kusuma Karmel Foundation on December 5 1991. This provided the legal framework for all civil matters related to the new church. Land transactions were finalized on April 28 1992. The community rallied around the project. Support came from religious leaders community figures Karang Taruna and ordinary citizens.
The Building Committee submitted the application for a building permit on May 11 1992. The permit was issued on September 28 1992. Archbishop Leo Soekoto SJ officially established the Gereja Katolik Maria Kusuma Karmel as a legal entity on December 14 1992.
The first baptism was recorded on January 24 1993. Jakarta’s mayor laid the foundation stone on July 21 1993. Archbishop Soekoto blessed the site. The church even contributed 1000 trees to the city’s greening program. The first regional masses began on January 8 1994.
Finally on April 2 1995 the Gereja Katolik Maria Kusuma Karmel was inaugurated. The Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta and Archbishop Leo Soekoto SJ presided over the ceremony. The Gereja Katolik Maria Kusuma Karmel stands as a symbol of perseverance. It’s a place of worship. It’s a testament to community spirit and faith. It’s a vital part of the Jakarta landscape a sanctuary in the heart of a bustling city.