Location: Jenderal Sudirman Street No. 12, Kampung Baru, Pasar Kliwon, Surakarta
Designation Decree : SK Walikota Surakarta No. 430/441 Tahun 2024

 

The Penabur Protestant Church in Western Indonesia (GPIB) Surakarta was established in 1832, shortly after the end of the Diponegoro War (1825-1830). The construction of this church was part of an effort to provide a sense of security and meet the worship needs of the European community living outside Fort Vastenburg. Initially, the church served Protestant Christian congregations and was later also used by Catholics, as recorded in the government’s general report of 1872. 

During the colonial period, the church served as the primary religious center for Europeans in Surakarta, marking a significant transformation in the city’s spatial development. Before the establishment of this church, European religious activities were held inside Fort Vastenburg. With the establishment of GPIB, they began developing residential areas and offices outside the fort, reflecting the increasingly stable political and social conditions after the Diponegoro War. 

The church building features colonial architectural design with distinct Neoclassical elements, including large pillars and tall windows with Neoclassical balustrades. On the front facade, there are two inscriptions indicating the year of construction (1832) and the year of restoration (1904). 
The interior still preserves several original elements, including the pulpit and antique pipe organ, door with original hinges, and a unique spiral staircase. GPIB is closely connected to educational and social activities, including humanitarian programs run through the Cinta Kasih Foundation, which supports people from underprivileged communities. 
Although the church has undergone several renovations, it retains much of its original colonial architecture and continues to serve as a center for religious and social life.