A number of specially made artworks by renowned artists from different religious backgrounds take center stage at Kristus Raja Catholic church in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta, giving the church a unique appearance both inside and out.

The parish priest, Rev. Rochadi Widagdo, said that, as an art lover, he was determined to involve artists in creating the interior of the church because he believed parishioners would appreciate the beauty of the art, which he hoped would connect them more deeply to their prayers.

“Art seems to surpass religions and beliefs. I did not personally know the artists, but they immediately accepted our orders and delivered them more quickly than we expected. Along the way we became friends,” he said.

The leaf-shaped roof was the first big statement for the church, which was inaugurated in 2011 after eight months of renovation work.

“The leaf reflects our vision of making this church an oasis in the middle of hectic Jakarta life. To me, Jakarta is like a desert. There are too many skyscrapers that isolate people from each other,” Rochadi told The Jakarta Post recently.

Upon entering the church, a bronze statue of the Mother Mary standing above a round well is among the first sights.

Unlike the usual pretty and soft-looking Mother Mary statues that can be found in many Catholic churches, this Mother Mary looks strong and patient — like a warm yet firm mother who has been through some bitterness in her life. The statue, which was made by noted painter and sculptor Teguh Ostenrik, also radiates unspeakable sadness.

“Mary was put over the well to represent her as the mother who gives the water of life, which reflects holiness. Mas Teguh told me that during the creative process, he would cry when he saw the statue,” Rochadi said.

The main part of the church boasts a giant seven-ton cross featuring carvings of a tree and Jesus Christ. The cross was made by Balinese Hindu artist I Wayan Winten from an old teak tree that was found in Surakarta and transported to Bali before being brought to Jakarta.

Winten also made the Mother Mary and Joseph wood carvings that stand on each side of the altar. The path to the altar was made by ceramic artist F. Widayanto and tells the story of Palm Sunday.

Meanwhile, the altar is an artwork in itself, created through the cooperation of award-winning Muslim artist Yani Mariani Sastranegara and fellow artist Gunawan. It is an undeniably beautiful work that features intricate wood carvings.

A number of specially made artworks by renowned artists from different religious backgrounds take center stage at Kristus Raja Catholic church in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta, giving the church a unique appearance both inside and out.

The parish priest, Rev. Rochadi Widagdo, said that, as an art lover, he was determined to involve artists in creating the interior of the church because he believed parishioners would appreciate the beauty of the art, which he hoped would connect them more deeply to their prayers.

'€œArt seems to surpass religions and beliefs. I did not personally know the artists, but they immediately accepted our orders and delivered them more quickly than we expected. Along the way we became friends,'€ he said.

The leaf-shaped roof was the first big statement for the church, which was inaugurated in 2011 after eight months of renovation work.

'€œThe leaf reflects our vision of making this church an oasis in the middle of hectic Jakarta life. To me, Jakarta is like a desert. There are too many skyscrapers that isolate people from each other,'€ Rochadi told The Jakarta Post recently.

Upon entering the church, a bronze statue of the Mother Mary standing above a round well is among the first sights.

Unlike the usual pretty and soft-looking Mother Mary statues that can be found in many Catholic churches, this Mother Mary looks strong and patient '€” like a warm yet firm mother who has been through some bitterness in her life. The statue, which was made by noted painter and sculptor Teguh Ostenrik, also radiates unspeakable sadness.

'€œMary was put over the well to represent her as the mother who gives the water of life, which reflects holiness. Mas Teguh told me that during the creative process, he would cry when he saw the statue,'€ Rochadi said.

The main part of the church boasts a giant seven-ton cross featuring carvings of a tree and Jesus Christ. The cross was made by Balinese Hindu artist I Wayan Winten from an old teak tree that was found in Surakarta and transported to Bali before being brought to Jakarta.

Winten also made the Mother Mary and Joseph wood carvings that stand on each side of the altar. The path to the altar was made by ceramic artist F. Widayanto and tells the story of Palm Sunday.

Meanwhile, the altar is an artwork in itself, created through the cooperation of award-winning Muslim artist Yani Mariani Sastranegara and fellow artist Gunawan. It is an undeniably beautiful work that features intricate wood carvings.