Hello Local Guides!
Visiting religious sites and places of pilgrimage are some of the most popular things for tourists to do. It seems that no matter what religion you are, or even if you have no faith at all, visiting a religious place is certainly an enriching experience. You will find beauty, knowledge, and peacefulness.
In this post, I will tell you a unique church in Indonesia, named The Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, or also known as Ganjuran Church. Located in Ganjuran, Bantul, southern region of Yogyakarta, this religious place is where you can witness the beautiful mixture of Javanese culture and Catholic tradition.
History
It was built in 1924 with the initiative of the Schmutzer family, who owned a sugar factory in Bantul district. At that time, many sugar factories suffered and went bankrupt, but Schmutzers survived. They built this church as an expression of gratitude and their faith to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the form of Javanese culture. They also managed to build schools, hospital, and fought for workers’ rights. They were very concerned about the welfare of the locals.
European, Hindu, and Javanese Influence
The Schmutzers are from Netherlands, but their love of Javanese culture and its people, inspired them to build a localized church that still carried the local culture elements. From the history, we know that the reign of Hindu kingdom ruled for nearly fourteen centuries in many parts of Indonesia. The Schmutzers decided to build a church based on Hindu architecture, so that the local people could easily adapt and understand.
The church complex was completed with a shape of Hindu temple, named Candi Hati Kudus Yesus (Sacred Heart Temple of Jesus) with a statue of Jesus in traditional Javanese clothes planted inside. The Javanese elements can also be seen at the altar, which is decorated with angels dressed in wayang orang characters, and from the joglo style of the main church building.
Fun Facts
- In 2006, when a massive earthquake hit Yogyakarta and destroyed almost every part of the Ganjuran Church building, only the temple and the altar survived as nothing happened. The building we see now has been through some reconstructions after the earthquake.
- Ganjuran Church has a holy mass celebration schedule in Javanese language with songs accompanied by gamelan and keroncong music.
- Today, the Ganjuran Church is not only known as a worship place for Christians, but also recognized as a pilgrimage destination. The discovery of the holy water fountain underneath the temple and prayer services that were believed can cure illness have attracted visitors to come to this place.
Thank you for reading and I hope this story inspires you.
Do you have a story about religious buildings or monuments in your region? If yes, let’s join me and other Local Guides in #monthlytopic of July 2020, initiative by @HiroyukiTakisawa
Have a good day everyone! 
