Author: R. Kurris, S.J.
Title: Sejarah Seputar Katedral Jakarta
Publisher: Penerbit Obor, Jakarta, Indonesia
Year of Publication: 1991, 2001
Note: This book by Father Kurris traces the story of the Cathedral since the days of the Dutch East Indies. It was part historical fact and part novel, and it was infinitely fascinating, not only for the story of the church itself, but for the history of my city.
Prologue
[...] we, from the 21st century, will have lost contact with the 19th century, one which witnessed the spread of Catholicism through the Indonesian archipelago.
Man must see himself as a link in a chain of continuous historical process. Whether he wants it or not, man lives in a continuous movement, even when the society in which he lives has virtually no historical perspective. We are standing in between the past and the future. The past is needed to project ourselves into the future.
This book is written by someone who loves the Catholic Church, by someone who loves history, by someone assigned by his superiors to serve the Church as a minister at Jakarta’s Cathedral. We hope that readers, by understanding the history surrounding the Church of Batavia-Jakarta, which once encompasses the whole of the Dutch Indies territories, but later diminished only to include the territory of Indonesia’s capital plus Tangerang and Bekasi, may appreciate more of this Church. It is only fitting that we remember the struggles, the service and rise-and-fall of our fore-fathers. The past is almost like another country; we cannot say much about them if we don’t delve into them.
Often, there are university students knocking on the door to the pastor’s residence (the rectory?) on Lapangan Banteng (lit. Bull’s Field) to ask for information about the history and architecture of the Cathedral. This book is to answer many of those questions. Architecture students are encouraged to read chapters IX, XII, XIII, and XIX.
This book is not intended as a historical study text brimming with complete data and other scientific requirements, but instead this book is meant to provide a historical narrative which may help readers to understand why the Catholic Church in Indonesia is the way it is now, both in terms of form and appearance.
To all friends who have provided much support during the writing of this book, especially to Mrs. Lely Nathan and Lynda Soelistyo, who have diligently provided corrections and helped with the preparation of this manuscript. Thank you.
R. Kurris, S.J.
November 1991
Continue reading ‘Jakarta’s Cathedral (R Kurris SJ, 1991) pt.00′
