Jakarta celebrates the 125th anniversary of its cathedral
A solemn celebration led by Cardinal Suharyo commemorated the solemn consecration that took place in 1901. The large neo-Gothic church designed by architect Father Antonius Dijkmans, SJ, was recognised as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2018. “Caring for creation, cultivating faith" is the motto that sums up the spirit of the anniversary.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – On 21 April 2026, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Jakarta, particularly those of the Cathedral parish, celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.
The church, built in neo-Gothic style, was designed by Father Antonius Dijkmans, a Jesuit priest and architect, and built by Marius Hulswit. Carolus Wenneker laid the foundation stone on 16 January 1899, and Mgr Edmundus Sybrandus Luypen, titular bishop of Oropus and Apostolic Vicar of Batavia, Jakarta’s former colonial name, officially inaugurated and blessed the cathedral on 21 April 1901.
The place of worship is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of her Assumption into Heaven. The 1901 consecration ceremony took place during a Pontifical Mass accompanied by the St Cecilia Choir, founded in 1865 by C. G. F. van Arcken.
On the occasion of the 125th anniversary, Archbishop Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo of Jakarta celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving together with Father Macarius Maharsono Probho (cathedral rector), Father Yusup Edi Mulyono (episcopal vicar of the archdiocese), and Father Yohanes Deodatus (coadjutor priest of the cathedral).
The service continued with the cutting of the tumpeng, a traditional ceremonial rice cone, a symbol of gratitude for the community's journey of faith.
A photo exhibition, Sustainable Preservation Efforts, promoted by the cardinal and the parish priests, was later opened. It presents images of the church in its current state, raising awareness of the importance of preserving this historic building, recognised in 2018 as a National Cultural Heritage Site by the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture.
The series of events are set to continue with a public seminar on architecture titled Heritage Walk and Talk: Jakarta Cathedral, on 1 May 2026, at Grha Pemuda.
The seminar, organised in collaboration with the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Order of Architects, will illustrate responsible heritage conservation practices, with a focus on educators, architects, contractors, and citizens.
It will also be possible to take an architectural tour guided by the Cathedral Museum team, exploring the neo-Gothic style, spatial organisation, symbolic elements of the artwork, and liturgical furnishings.
To mark the anniversary, the parish has created a special logo inspired by the verse from the Gospel of John, "I am the vine, and you are the branches" (Jn 15:5), which represents the life that flows from God and the connection between humanity and divinity.
The logo integrates various symbols such as green leaves, the Trinity, overlapping hands inspired by Michelangelo's Creation of Adam, and colours that evoke natural harmony and Marian devotion.
The motto Caring for Creation, Cultivating Faith sums up the spirit of the anniversary celebrated in 2026, emphasising the importance of caring for creation as the foundation of life and faith.
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30/09/2017 12:24
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