gereja

Gereja is the Indonesian word for church. It is used to refer to both a Christian place of worship and the community of Christians that gathers there. In a broader sense, a gereja denotes a local congregation led by clergy and, in many traditions, part of a hierarchical structure such as a parish within a diocese or a synod. The term is used in Indonesia and in Malay-speaking communities across the region.

As used in Indonesia, gereja encompasses Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox communities. The country hosts a diverse Christian landscape, and many churches belong to umbrella organizations such as Persekutuan Gereja-gereja di Indonesia (PGI), which coordinates activities among numerous Protestant and evangelical churches, alongside Catholic and Orthodox churches.

Church buildings range from intimate chapels to large cathedrals, often reflecting historical, architectural, and denominational influences. Worship services typically include prayers, singing, Scripture readings, preaching, and sacraments such as baptism and Communion. In Indonesia, and elsewhere, the church is also understood as a community with shared beliefs, rituals, and charitable work.

Gereja in the Indonesian context plays a social and cultural role in communities, hosting education, social services, and interfaith dialogue, and serving as a site for rites of passage such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals.