Standing opposite Gambir train station is one of Indonesia’s oldest churches, Immanuel Church Jakarta, built in 1839 during Dutch occupation. Originally it was named Willemskerk, after then-monarch King Willem I of Netherlands, and was thus aptly placed beside what was then called Koningsplein, King’s Square, or Merdeka Square today.
The construction of the church was initiated by the Dutch Reformists and Lutherans of Batavia, taking four years to complete. These were well spent: the grand Protestant church embodies classical European design, almost Romanesque with its Doric columns, heaving gavel façade, circular nave, and iconic dome.
Inside Immanuel Church Jakarta, the feeling of grandeur continues, with its inner dome known for its fabulous acoustics where one can imagine the voices of pastors of the past booming to a gathered congregation. Speaking of acoustics, another highlight is the stately pipe organ, installed in 1843, making it one of the oldest in Indonesia. Restored again in 1985, the original Bätz-made instrument still resounds during services today, transporting visitors to an earlier era.
The church changed its name to Immanuel in 1948, falling under the jurisdiction of Gereja Protestan di Indonesia Bagian Barat (GPIB, or Protestant Churches of West Indonesia), but still honours its history by holding a Dutch service, on top of regular Indonesian and English services. In fact, the church has an original Dutch State Bible from 1748.
