Jakarta Cultural Agency is set to revitalize the Immanuel Church Cultural Heritage Building, Jalan Medan Merdeka Timur, Gambir, Central Jakarta. Revitalization includes maintenance, repair, beautification and improvement of the interior and exterior of the church that was built around 1830.

Iwan Henry Wardhana, Head of Jakarta Cultural Agency said it would make the church building more attractive and comfortable without reducing the authenticity of the building as a whole according to cultural heritage principles.

"The interior revitalization includes a prayer room, a pulpit and a second floor balcony. Similar action will also be done on the exterior, which includes gardens and plants, the asphalt and pedestrians in the church area," he expressed, Friday (4/23).

He explained the church that is included in this cultural heritage building would be preserved and would be part of the religious area program in Jakarta. The progress of the revitalization had entered the administrative management stage.

It was targeted to start on the third Sunday of May 2021.

"Our target is the upcoming Christmas, where the congregation can worship with a better appearance of the church building," he explained.

He assessed, based on previous coordination meetings and meetings with congregations and church councils, the revitalization received a positive response from the congregation and assembly.

"During the revitalization, the congregation will worship using another room which is near the church," he explained.

He added this church would become one of the tourist destinations for religious and historical education in Jakarta that could provide an unforgettable experience for congregants and visitors alike.

"Hopefully Jakarta is not just a recreational tourism, but can also provide tours full of religious values, culture, and history as a representation of Jakarta's civilization," he hoped.