Christmas in Jakarta nearly 350 years ago. What was that like? Right here stands Gereja Protestan Tugu. This church has witnessed centuries of faith and tradition. It is one of Jakarta’s oldest churches.
Gereja Protestan Tugu is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to the history of Kampung Tugu. This village is home to the Mardijker people. They are descendants of a Portuguese community. Their story is woven into the very fabric of this sacred space.
Let’s step back in time to 1661. The story of Gereja Protestan Tugu begins when the Tugu people arrived here. Initially, they were served by the Portuguese Church in Jakarta. That church is now known as Gereja Sion.
In 1678, a significant moment occurred. Pastor Melchior Leydecker built the first church outside Jakarta. This marked the beginning of Gereja Protestan Tugu as a distinct place of worship. It also served as a school. By 1680, the Christian community in Tugu had grown to 800 people.
The church you see now is not the original structure. The first church was damaged. In 1747, Justinus van der Vinck helped rebuild it. He was a Dutch landowner. He also donated land for a cemetery. This third church replaced the previous wooden building.
Imagine the church in 1740 during the Chinese uprising. The Gereja Protestan Tugu was destroyed. This tragic event occurred during the rule of Governor General Adriaan Valckenier. Later, during the Gedoran Tugu, the church was nearly destroyed again. Local residents confiscated property from Portuguese descendants. They were seen as foreigners.
Look at the architecture. It blends 18th-century Dutch style with Portuguese influences. The church faces east toward the Gomati River. This river was once the main access route to Kampung Tugu.
Inside Gereja Protestan Tugu, you can see antique deacon benches. Metal plates and the old pulpit remain. The bell tower dates back to 1880. The original bell from 1747 is stored in the vicarage.
The Christmas traditions here are special. During Christmas Eve, Portuguese descendants light candles. They visit family graves. This tradition marks their heritage in Kampung Tugu.
Today, Gereja Protestan Tugu is part of the Protestant Church in Indonesia. The church stands as a cultural heritage site. It serves the Protestant community every Sunday. The church also has a historic cross and pulpit. These artifacts have been part of the church since its beginning. A bell stands in front of the church.
Gereja Protestan Tugu continues to stand strong. It embodies the enduring spirit of the Tugu community. It is a reminder of their rich history and unwavering faith. The echoes of keroncong music fill the air. It connects the past with the present. This music was born in Kampung Tugu. It tells stories of old Batavia.