Bukit Rhema: Magelang’s Must-Visit Destination for Religious Tolerance

In Magelang, there is a tourist destination that represents religious tolerance. Yes, Bukit Rhema is Indonesia’s Religious Tolerance Tourist Destination.

Dove or Chicken? Many travelers who come to Bukit Rhema always ask about this unique building shape. The form of Bukit Rhema’s building is a Dove — but it is widely known as Gereja Ayam (Chicken Church), which adds to the uniqueness of this tolerance destination.

What Does the Dove Symbolize?

According to Daniel Alamsjah (founder of Bukit Rhema), the dove is a symbol of unity, love, sincerity, and peace. So it’s very fitting — in accordance with its building’s shape — that Bukit Rhema has become Indonesia’s religious tolerance tourist destination.

The main building of Bukit Rhema consists of 7 floors containing prayer rooms, paintings with moral messages about the dangers of drugs, family paintings, paintings about nationalism, and of course the dove crown.

In addition to the above, Bukit Rhema now also has a Mushola (Muslim prayer room), Goa Maria (a Marian Grotto), and a Buddhist Room. In the future, Bukit Rhema will have facilities representing all religions in Indonesia. So when you travel to Bukit Rhema, you will feel the atmosphere of religious tolerance here.

This message of religious tolerance was also appreciated by one of Bukit Rhema’s visitors, Dr. Herman Trianto, SpPD:

“All my friends have different beliefs but we feel peace and tolerance in this place,” said Dr. Herman Trianto, SpPD.

Rizky Hanggono also left a message about tolerance after visiting Bukit Rhema: “Hopefully, the good intentions behind the existence of Bukit Rhema can be felt and absorbed in meaning by whoever visits. And ultimately, invite us all to always live in the spirit of sincerity, unity and peace, for the good of us all. The Indonesian people.”

To strengthen the message of religious tolerance and the diversity of Indonesian culture, inside Bukit Rhema the building also displays the cultural diversity and natural wealth from all provinces of Indonesia.

What Does the Dove Symbolize?

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