Old Javanese church a mix of faiths

Old Javanese church a mix of faiths

Text and photo by Bambang Tiong

BANTUL, Yogyakarta (JP): Thinking of an image of Jesus in Javanese garb seems a little strange, if not sacrilegious. But it becomes a reality in the small Ganjuran Catholic church here.

There are four of the "Javanese Jesuses", standing about one meter high and positioned around the altar of the church. They wear traditional black velvet and their hands are placed before them in a pose reminiscent of Hindu deities.

The church in Sumber Mulya village, which was built in 1924, is bathed in Hindu, Javanese and European architectural styles.

From outside, the 12th century Gothic style is dominant, defined by the famous pointed arches, cluster of columns and bell tower.

Inside, there is a European balcony but there are also two huge, ornate Javanese umbrellas on the left and right sides of the altar.

Behind the altar is a tabernacle which is shaped to resemble an ancient Hindu candi (shrine). Beside it, in conformity with the contrasting styles, is a statue of a European angel.

Seen from above, the 900-square-meter church looks like a cross. The half-hectare backyard of the church is densely populated by pohon cemara (casuarina trees), providing cool shade during the hottest of days.

Fourteen stone reliefs of Jesus and Roman soldiers in Javanese clothes stand in the backyard toward a candi at the other end. There is a statue that depicts Jesus sitting on a chair with his hands solemnly placed on his lap, not unlike people deep in meditation.

A well believed to be able to cure illnesses stands close to the candi. Believers come from as far as Semarang, Surabaya and Jakarta to collect the water. Many say they have been cured of disease after praying there and drinking from the well.

The well was discovered by a man named Perwito, who had a long history of serious illnesses, but who miraculously recovered after drinking water from the well three years ago.

According to father Jodi Harjoko the Ganjuran church was established by the owner of the Ganjuran sugar factory, a man named Schmutzer.

The Hindu and Javanese influence in the architecture was deliberately incorporated by the builder in tribute to the many Hindu believers living in the vicinity and the Javanese people in general.

Father Harjoko said a laboratory check proved the water contained an extraordinarily high quantity of minerals.

"We were afraid that the water may harm people but God's miracles can never be understood," he said.