Catholic basilica to be built in Indonesia’s new capital

Aug 09, 2024

JAKARTA: In a significant development, a Catholic basilica dedicated to St Francis Xavier is set to be constructed in Nusantara, the new Indonesian capital located on the east coast of the island of Borneo, in the province of East Kalimantan.

This announcement comes from the “General Direction for the Orientation of the Catholic Community” within the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs. The Ministry, which has six General Directions for each of the recognised religions in Indonesia – Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism – plays a pivotal role in managing state relations with these religious communities.

The basilica project, which has been approved by the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference, is scheduled to commence in October with the laying of the first stone. In addition to the basilica, the project will include a bishopric seat, pastoral facilities, and necessary offices. This dedication to St Francis Xavier honours the Jesuit missionary who landed on the Moluccas Islands on February 14, 1546, marking the beginning of his mission in the Indonesian archipelago. The saint is already commemorated in the diocese of Amboina with a cathedral and a monument in Ambon, the capital of the Moluccas.

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, particularly its Direction for the Catholic Community, is overseeing the design of the basilica. The Ministry of Public Works will handle the construction, while the Direction for the Catholic Community, in collaboration with the Indonesian Church, will manage the interiors, decoration, and liturgical furnishings. The basilica’s location, close to the National Mosque, mirrors the model in Jakarta where the Catholic Cathedral of “Our Lady of the Assumption” and the Istiqlal Mosque stand opposite each other, symbolising religious harmony.

This news comes as part of the broader Nusantara project, a $32 billion (RM144.46 billion) initiative championed by President Joko Widodo. Known as “Jokowi,” the president has recently moved into the newly completed eagleshaped presidential palace, the “Garuda Palace,” and is pushing to complete state-building work before his resignation in October. President-elect Prabowo Subianto has vowed to continue the development of Nusantara after taking office.

President Widodo aims to celebrate Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17 at the Nusantara palace, further accelerating the work schedule of the presidential staff. Despite challenges such as a lack of foreign investment and land-related issues, Jokowi has initiated the construction of various infrastructures, including schools and offices, to ensure the project's progress.

This basilica project not only marks a significant milestone for the Catholic community in Indonesia but also underscores the spirit of religious harmony envisioned in the planning of Nusantara. — Fides