Churches are places of worship for Christians. Several churches scattered throughout various regions of Indonesia have large buildings that can accommodate thousands, even tens of thousands, of congregants.
Citing the website *bersamakristus.org*, here are 5 of the largest churches in Indonesia based on congregational capacity.
1. Bethany Church, Surabaya (35,000 Congregants)
Bethany Church Surabaya was established in 1978 by Pastor Abraham Alex Tanuseputra. Construction began in 1987 and was completed in 2000.
In 2020, its capacity reached 20,000 people, making it known as the grandest church in ASEAN. However, the church's capacity has since been increased to accommodate 35,000 congregants.
2. JKI Kingdom of God Church, Semarang (12,000 Congregants)
Inaugurated in 2007, JKI Kingdom of God Church in Semarang can accommodate up to 12,000 congregants. The church is located at Jl. Arteri Utara, Grand Marina Complex, Semarang.
This church is known for its magnificent architecture, resembling a stadium. It also has a branch in Yogyakarta with a capacity of 1,500 congregants.
3. GBI Mawar Sharon, Kelapa Gading, DKI Jakarta (10,000 Congregants)
GBI Mawar Sharon in Kelapa Gading was founded in 1992 on a 9,870-square-meter plot of land. Initially, the building measured 20 x 65 meters. In July 1995, the church was inaugurated by Pastor David Yonggie Cho.
With those dimensions, the church could accommodate 2,000 congregants. Its capacity was later increased to accommodate up to 10,000 congregants. The church is located at Jl. Hybrida Timur, Kelapa Gading Permai, North Jakarta.
4. Reformed Evangelical Church of Indonesia (GRII), DKI Jakarta (7,000 Congregants)
Built on a 12,000-square-meter plot of land. Known for its unique building, the Reformed Evangelical Church has a magnificent dome-like roof.
Located at the GRII Complex at Jl. Industri Blok B-14 No. 1, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. This church can accommodate 4,800 + 2,200 Christians.
5. GBI Rock, Denpasar (5,000 Congregants)
GBI Rock Denpasar is one of the charismatic churches in Indonesia. Located on Jalan Antasura, Peguyangan Kangin, Denpasar, this church can accommodate more than 5,000 congregants.
Initially, the church could only accommodate 4,500 congregants. Later, its capacity was expanded, reaching 5,400 people in 2006, and the building was consecrated in 2009.