April 16, 2025 | 08:37 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Christians will be observing Easter this weekend. Although the celebration in Indonesia is not as festive as it typically is for Christmas, the holiday holds a deeper spiritual meaning and is often a time to embark on religious tourism to various destinations.
Here are 7 religious tourist destinations for Christians to visit during the Easter holidays:
1. Salib Kasih, North Tapanuli
Located in Dolok Hill, Siatas Barita, Salib Kasih, or Cross of Love, is marked with a 30-meter-high cross monument. The destination is located 2 kilometers away from Tarutung City, North Tapanuli, North Sumatra.
As reported by the Ministry of Tourism website, this religious tourism destination was built to commemorate the services of the German missionary Ingwer Ludwig Nommensen. The site features the Ten Commandments and holy verses on wood or stone carvings, inviting tourists to enjoy the beautiful scenery and breezy atmosphere while praying.
2. Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni, Medan
Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni is a sacred place dedicated to Mother Mary, known as ‘Annai Velangkanni Arokia Matha,’ or ‘Our Lady of Good Health’ in India. The building has a magnificent structure with a blend of Indo-Mughal architecture. It consists of 7 floors symbolizing the seven levels of heaven and is adorned with reliefs on the walls depicting the crucifixion of Christ.
3. The Cave of Maria Sendangsono, Kulon Progo
For those interested in spending the Easter holiday in Yogyakarta, a visit to the Maria Sendangsono Cave is recommended. Located in Kalibawang, Kulon Progo, the cave complex offers various attractions amidst a serene setting, including the Path of the Cross, the Cave of Mary, a pavilion, a river, and a prayer equipment store. Visitors are also welcome to collect the cure-all spring water in the complex.
4. Jesus Christ Blessing Statue, Toraja
Tana Toraja is a popular religious tourism destination for Christians in Indonesia, with the massive statue of Jesus ready to welcome pilgrims who wish to visit the land. The Jesus Christ Blessing statue is said to be among the tallest in the world, standing at a staggering 45 meters high. Perched at the peak of Mount Buntu Burake at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level, the statue directly faces Makale City.
5. Maria Lourdes Pohsarang Cave, Kediri
This cave is located within the compound of Pohsarang Church, Kediri, East Java, situated at an altitude of 400 meters above sea level. Not only the statue of the Holy Mary, this cave also invites tourists to take a look at dioramas depicting spiritual stories.
6. Doa Hill, Tomohon
Doa Hill is located in Tomohon, North Sulawesi. Here, tourists can find the Chapel of Mother Mary (Kapel Maria) and a semi-circular amphitheater. This religious tourism destination also includes several tranquil prayer spots for Christians. Nestled at the foot of Mount Mahawu, the Doa Hill is surrounded by beautiful and refreshing green natural landscapes.
7. Larantuka
Larantuka, East Nusa Tenggara, is known as the City of a Thousand Chapels due to the abundance of Catholic chapels in the region. Larantuka is also renowned for the longstanding Semana Santa tradition. The tradition begins with the discovery of the Tuan Ma Statue stranded on the shores of Larantuka in 1510. The sacred statue was later identified as Mother Mary.
The Holy Week starts from Palm Sunday, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday or Sesta Vera, Holy Saturday, and culminates in Easter Sunday or. One of the events includes the Tuan Meninu procession in the waters of Larantuka, where Catholics from various regions carry the statue of Jesus through the sea route.
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