JAKARTA - The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia Fadli Zon inaugurated the National Level Cultural Heritage Gallery of the Immanuel Church of Jakarta, Sunday (21/12). This inauguration confirms a new direction for the preservation of cultural heritage, not only protected, but used sustainably as a public education space.
The gallery, which is on the second floor of the GPIB Immanuel, was inaugurated ahead of Christmas 2025 and is part of efforts to care for historic buildings that have witnessed the long journey of the nation.
"This GPIB Immanuel is basically a living museum. A great architectural work as well as a house of worship that is full of historical values," said Fadli Zon.
According to Fadli, preservation is not enough to stop on the physical protection of buildings. The use of historical space must continue to be carried out so that a living and sustainable preservation ecosystem is created.
"National cultural heritage such as the GPIB Immanuel has a long collective memory. It has witnessed various important events of the nation," he said.
The arrangement of the gallery is carried out through research on collections and history by involving professional curators, archaeologists, historians, and art handlers. This gallery presents a historical narrative and collection that records the journey of the Immanuel Church over the centuries.
Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection of the Ministry of Culture, Restu Gunawan, appreciated the support of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government in the preservation of cultural heritage.
"We hope that this synergy will continue, especially in the conservation of cultural heritage in Jakarta," he said.
The Chairman of the GPIB Immanuel Jakarta Congregation Assembly, Abraham Ruben Persang, emphasized that the construction of this gallery is not solely for the benefit of the congregation.
"This is for Indonesia. When we appreciate history and place it correctly, the future of the nation will also go well," he said.
The Chairman of the GPIB Synod Assembly, Nitis Putrasana Harsono, added that the historical objects in the Immanuel Church are part of the nation's journey and faith that continues to speak across generations.
The Immanuel Church in Jakarta was built in 1834-1839 with the name Willemskerk. This building was used by the Japanese army and after independence was renamed the Immanuel Church, as well as a symbol of tolerance and brotherhood in Jakarta.
Present at the inauguration were the Mayor of Central Jakarta Arifin, Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection Restu Gunawan, Director of Cultural Heritage I Made Dharma Suteja, and the ranks of the GPIB leadership.
Closing his remarks, Fadli Zon stated the commitment of the Ministry of Culture to expand the data collection and strengthening the narrative of the history of national cultural heritage churches as a space for public education, tolerance, and inspiration.
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