Six Religious Destinations in Indonesia to Celebrate Christmas

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Christmas is not only a celebration for Christians, but also a time for spiritual reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ. Religious tourism offers a journey combining prayer, faith reflection, and a deep spiritual experience. Visiting historical churches, attending Christmas Mass, exploring the Maria Caves, and visiting pilgrimage sites create a calming and solemn atmosphere for the soul.

In Indonesia, there are various pilgrimage destinations rich in spiritual value, history, and natural beauty. Here are some Christian religious tourism destinations worth visiting.

6 Religious Destinations in Indonesia

1. Sacred Heart of Jesus Ganjuran Church (Ganjuran Sacred Heart of Jesus), Yogyakarta

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Ganjuran Temple in Bantul, located about 20 kilometers south of Yogyakarta, is a Catholic spiritual pilgrimage site with strong Javanese cultural influences. Built on December 26, 1927, and blessed on February 11, 1930, by Monsignor Van Velsen, the building is modeled after ancient Javanese Hindu temples and features a statue of Jesus in the Javanese style. Another unique feature is the Tirta Perwitasari spring beneath the temple. The spring is believed to have healing properties and has a flow rate of 30,000 liters per minute. This place is often visited for bathing and drinking holy water, making it a pilgrimage destination rich in miracles and history.

2. Maria Lourdes Puhsarang Cave, Kediri

The Maria Lourdes Cave in the Puhsarang Church complex, Puhsarang Village, Semen District, Kediri, is a replica of the Maria Lourdes Cave in France. It is located on the slopes of Mount Wilis, 400 meters above sea level. A 3.5-meter-high statue of the Virgin Mary stands at the center of the prayer site. Catholics and non-Catholics alike often use the small cave next to the church for reciting the rosary, novena, or personal meditation. The cool and peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal place for spiritual reflection.

3. Kasih Mulia Sejati Prayer Garden, West Jakarta

Kasih Mulia Sejati Prayer Garden on Jalan Pakis Raya Blok H6 No 11, Rawa Buaya, Cengkareng, was inaugurated by the Governor of Jakarta, Pramono Anung, on September 20, 2025. This 5,000-square-meter park was built on the True Love Noble Foundation's land without cutting down any trees, thus preserving its lush, serene surroundings. Designed as an open contemplation space for all religions, this place aims to provide tranquility for the people of Jakarta amidst the city's noise.

4. Sendangsono Maria Cave, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta

The Sendangsono Maria Cave in Banjaroyo Village, Kalibawang District, Kulon Progo, is one of the largest Catholic pilgrimage sites in Indonesia. It was inaugurated as a pilgrimage site on December 8, 1929. It has a sacred spring surrounded by Sono trees (Angsana), which are believed to have healing properties. A statue of the Virgin Mary from Spain and a relic stone from Lourdes, France, are its main attractions. Designed by YB Mangunwijaya, its harmonious Javanese architecture blends with nature and has received national awards. Thousands of pilgrims visit every year, especially in May and October.

5. Peniwen Tourism Village, Malang

Peniwen Tourism Village in Kromengan District has been a religious tourism village with a majority Christian population since 1880. It is the center of the East Java Christian Church (GKJW), offering beautiful views of rice fields. Attractions include the Peniwen Affair Monument, cultural festivals, and homestays. Although the village is based on Christianity, it reflects inter-religious harmony and is ideal for peaceful religious tourism.

6. Rangkasbitung Maria Cave, Banten

In Rangkasbitung City, there is the Maria Bukit Kanada Cave, which can be an alternative tourist destination not far from Jakarta. The cave's name is derived from its location, Bunda Kita Kampung Narimbang Dalam, abbreviated as Bukit Kanada.

This cave, which has existed since 1988, is located about three kilometers from Alun-alun Rangkasbitung and features a Stations of the Cross surrounded by lush, serene nature. The cave is often crowded on weekends and during the Rosary Months of May and October.