Description of the attraction
Gereja Zion Church is a historic church located in the Penangsia Administrative District, which is located in Taman Sari, a neighborhood in West Jakarta. Taman Sari is bordered by Central Jakarta to the south and east, and North Jakarta to the north. In addition, Taman Sari is considered the smallest neighborhood in West Jakarta.
Gereja Zion Church is the oldest church in Jakarta. It is also called the Portuguese church, since in 1693 it was built by the "black Portuguese" - this was the name of the inhabitants of the Portuguese colonies in India and Malaya, who were captured by the Dutch and brought to Batavia as slaves. Most of these people were Catholics, but they were granted freedom on the condition that they join the Netherlands Reformed Church. This stratum of the population was called mardijker, or the liberated.
The church was built outside the walls of the ancient city, which is why it was called the New Outside Portuguese Church. The official opening of the church took place in October 1695. In 1942, during the Japanese occupation, the church was closed for two years. The Japanese wanted to turn this place into a columbarium for their fallen soldiers. The church changed its name several times, but in 1957 it already became the Church of Zion.
Outwardly, the church looks quite simple, the windows are made in the shape of a dome, but the interior of the church is very picturesque. Attention is drawn to the copper candelabra, the Baroque pulpit, and the old organ. There is a churchyard where you can see ancient tombstones. In 1920 and 1978, renovations were carried out in the church.
