The Jakarta Cathedral, officially named the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, is a striking landmark in Central Jakarta and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop. Consecrated in 1901, it is renowned for its magnificent Neo-Gothic architectural style, which features two soaring front towers, each about 60 meters tall, known as the Tower of David and the Ivory Tower.
The cathedral’s current structure replaced an earlier church that collapsed in 1890. Designed by Dutch architect Antonius Dijkmans, it cleverly uses locally manufactured bricks covered in plaster to mimic stone, adapted for Indonesia’s seismic nature. Inside, visitors can admire intricate details like colorful stained-glass windows, a large pipe organ, and altars dedicated to Mary and Joseph.
Most significantly, the Jakarta Cathedral stands directly across the street from the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. This proximity is no accident; it was intended by Indonesia’s founding leaders as a powerful, tangible symbol of the nation’s commitment to religious tolerance and harmony. This shared space often sees the two religious institutions lend each other their parking lots during major holidays like Christmas and Eid.
