About Jakarta, Indonesia:
Jakarta is the capitol of Indonesia…but probably not for much longer, because it is about to sink in to the ocean. Jakarta, which is home to 10 million people, has been suffering from extreme land subsidence for decades. The northern part of the city has sunk by 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) in the past 10 years, and research shows some areas could be entirely submerged by 2050. Almost half of the city is already below sea level and flooding is frequent, thanks to the 13 rivers that run through it. Adding to that, Jakarta also is said to have the worst traffic congestion of any city on the planet.
President of Indonesia Joko Widodo is planning to relocate the nation’s capital away from Jakarta, the world’s fastest-sinking city. “We want to have a new city, which besides reflecting Indonesia’s identity, is a modern, international-class city, or a smart, green and beautiful city,” according to the Jakarta Globe .
Bambang Brodjonegoro, national development planning minister of Indonesia, revealed the president’s plans to move the capital off the island of Java. The new capital will be close to the geographic center of the country, according to Brodjonegoro. Cities that have been proposed in the past as possible new capitals include Palangkaraya in Central Kalimantan and Makassar in South Sulawesi.
“It would be central from west to east or north to south,” he told Jakarta Globe. “To represent justice and encourage development, especially in the eastern part of Indonesia.”
In the meantime…and we hope it is quite a while off, here are few Catholic places of interest in Jakarta, Indonesia:
Jakarta Cathedral (Gereja Santa Maria Diangkat ke Surga): Completed in 1901, this Neo-Gothic cathedral features dramatic 60-meter spires, intricate wooden interiors, and an impressive pipe organ. The Cathedral holds regular masses (including English masses, though times vary) and is a popular site for prayer. The Cathedral’s location opposite the Istiqlal Mosque highlights Jakarta’s religious diversity.
Museum Katedral: Located within the Cathedral complex, this museum showcases the history of Catholicism in Indonesia, featuring artifacts, vestments, and archives.
Santa Maria de Fatima Church: A unique church located in Glodok (Chinatown) that reflects Chinese architectural influence, combining Catholic faith with Chinese culture.
Saint Ignatius Loyola Church: Located in Central Jakarta, this church is noted for its peaceful ambiance and architectural design, frequently visited for mass.
Sion Church (GPIB Jemaat Sion): While currently Protestant, this is the oldest standing church in Jakarta (built 1693-1695), historically used by “black Portuguese” Catholics/Eurasians during the early colonial era.