Indonesia Jakarta Mission

CULTURAL SUMMARY

Jakarta's culture is a vibrant blend of Indonesian influences, historical significance, and modern innovation. The city's culinary scene is renowned for its Indonesian cuisine, featuring dishes like nasi goreng, satay, and gado-gado. Music and arts thrive in Jakarta, with venues like the Jakarta Art Building and the Taman Ismail Marzuki hosting performances and exhibits. The city also embraces its rich history with institutions like the National Museum of Indonesia. Historically, Jakarta has grown from a small port town into a vibrant modern city, retaining its unique charm and cultural richness.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region features a mix of urban landscapes, coastal areas, and river valleys, with natural landmarks such as the Thousand Islands and the nearby Ciliwung River, offering a blend of natural beauty and urban development.

CLIMATE

The climate is tropical with high humidity and significant rainfall throughout the year. Summer temperatures average around 88°F, while winter temperatures average around 78°F. The wettest months are typically November to March, with frequent rain showers.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken are Indonesian and Javanese.

RELIGIONS

Major religions in the region include Islam, followed by smaller communities of Christianity and Hinduism.

INDUSTRIES

Finance: The region has a strong financial sector with major employers like Bank Indonesia excelling in banking and financial services.

Manufacturing: Companies like Unilever lead in consumer goods and food production.

Telecommunications: The area supports a robust telecommunications industry with companies like Telkom Indonesia excelling in telecommunications and IT services.

LOCAL EVENTS

The area hosts events like the Jakarta Fair, celebrating with vibrant parades, music, and traditional dances; the Independence Day celebrations, featuring national pride and historical commemorations; and the Java Jazz Festival, showcasing local and international music and cultural festivities.

TOURISM

Popular tourist destinations include the National Monument, known for its historical significance; the Ancol Dreamland, offering recreational activities and entertainment; and the Istiqlal Mosque, featuring architectural beauty and spiritual importance.

RECREATION

Favored activities include hiking, exploring cultural sites, and enjoying natural reserves, with major parks like the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah and the Ragunan Zoo being popular destinations.

MISSION HISTORY

Six missionaries entered Indonesia in January 1970, organized the first congregation in February, and baptized the first converts in March. The Church was officially recognized in Indonesia in August 1970. After recognition, several congregations were organized in Java and missionary headquarters were established in Jakarta in 1975. In 1977, The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, a companion scripture to the Bible, was published in Indonesian. Membership at that time was 1,200. The missionary headquarters in Indonesia were closed temporarily and later reopened with an Indonesian president. In 1989, Indonesia was combined with the Singapore Mission, with headquarters in Singapore, but in 1995 it was established again in Jakarta.

MISSION GROUPS

These groups are a great way to connect with other families who have missionaries in the same area, reconnect with other missionaries you served with in the past or simply learn more about the mission. Robust membership activity can make these groups truly amazing resources!

Indonesia Jakarta Mission Facebook Group

Indonesia Jakarta Mission Families Facebook Group

Indonesia Jakarta Mission Moms and Friends (LDS) Group

Jakarta Pres. Dean C. Jensen’s Missionaries 2004-07 Group