First IKN Church Nearly Complete, Awaiting Vatican Approval

The Directorate General of Catholic Community Guidance at the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has confirmed that the status of the Basilica Nusantara Santo Fransiskus Xaverius in the Nusantara Capital (IKN) is still awaiting approval from the Holy See in the Vatican. This clarification addresses circulating information regarding the naming of the church currently under construction. Director of Catholic Affairs at the Directorate General of Catholic Community Guidance, Salman Habeahan, stated that the designation of basilica status follows the universal Catholic Church mechanism. The application is submitted by the Archbishop of Samarinda to the Holy See after historical, pastoral, liturgical, and spiritual studies, along with an official recommendation from the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI). The Santo Fransiskus Xaverius Church in IKN is expected to serve as a symbol of diversity and national brotherhood in the IKN worship area. The selection of Saint Francis Xavier as patron reflects the missionary spirit, intercultural dialogue, and the Indonesian Church’s commitment to strengthening harmony and religious tolerance among the faithful. From a construction perspective, the church and the Bishop’s Residence have reached approximately 99 percent completion and are entering the interior finishing stage, ornaments, facade, and landscaping. The church is designed to accommodate around 1,500 congregants in the indoor space and 1,000 in the outdoor portico, with a construction budget of Rp704.9 billion. The Indonesian Bishops’ Conference, together with the Directorate General of Catholic Community Guidance, has formed a committee for the thanksgiving mass for the church’s inauguration and dedication, scheduled for late July. All liturgical furnishings are works of the nation’s own people, making this basilica a hoped-for symbol of spiritual development and brotherhood in IKN.