Catholic Church in Palasari

Christianity in Bali has a long but complex history of colonization and resistance to local traditions. It still remains a minority religion: only about 2% of Bali's population is Christian, while in Indonesia the figure is approximately 15%.

History of missionary activity in Bali

Christianity has long been associated among the Balinese with conquerors. Hinduism, deeply woven into the social and cultural traditions of the island, remained the spiritual basis for the local population, and Christianity did not find a response.

The first missionary to Bali was the Anglican priest Reverend Ennis, who arrived in 1838. However, his mission failed and he soon left the island. In 1865, the Dutch colonial government opened a Protestant mission in Singaraja. A year later, Reverend van Eck converted the first Balinese to Christianity, his servant Gusti Wayang Nurat Karangasem, baptized under the name Nicodemus. However, his adoption of a new faith led to expulsion from the community and a tragic end: in 1891, after the murder of priest de Vroom, Nicodemus was executed.

After this, missionary activity was temporarily prohibited. It was only in the 20th century that preaching resumed, but success remained modest. Balinese who converted to Christianity were often subject to expulsion, violence and discrimination.

During the economic crisis of the 1930s, missionaries promised tax exemptions for those baptized, which caused a temporary increase in conversions. However, the deception was revealed, and many returned to Hinduism.

Current situation of Christians in Bali

Today, the majority of Christians on the island are local residents, although at the beginning of the 20th century they were predominantly Europeans, Americans or Chinese. The situation of Christians in Indonesia remains difficult: the country ranks 46th in the world in terms of the level of threat to representatives of this religion. In Bali, despite a relatively more tolerant attitude, cases of intolerance are also recorded.

Many Christians face difficulties in registering communities and opening churches. Attacks on recently baptized people and pressure from relatives and neighbors also remain pressing problems.

Catholic and Protestant communities

West Bali has become a melting pot where migrants from different parts of Indonesia and different cultures live together. This creates a more tolerant attitude towards representatives of different religions. Catholic churches, Protestant communities and even an Orthodox mission near Singaraja are examples of peaceful coexistence on the island.

Tolerance in Bali

Despite the challenges, Bali remains a place where attitudes towards members of other religions are friendlier than in some other regions of Indonesia. Christian migrants from other parts of the country find refuge on the island from persecution, and the necessity of living together in a limited area promotes tolerance.

The Catholic community of Palasari Village traces its origins back to 1936. That year, Father Simon Buys, a member of the Verbi Societas Divini mission, arrived in the village of Tuka, near Denpasar. His missionary approach was rooted in integrating with the local culture. He learned Indonesian and Balinese, familiarized himself with the local traditions and way of life. Thanks to these efforts, within three years nearly all of Tuka’s residents had converted to Christianity. The village still maintains its Catholic community today.

Around the same time, a Chinese Protestant mission began operating on Bali. Their hostile stance toward Hinduism caused social tensions, leading to attacks on Christians. To reduce conflict, the government relocated these Protestants to the island’s west, allocating them land in the jungle.

Concerned for the safety of his parishioners, Father Simon requested a plot of land from the authorities for the resettlement of the Catholic community. In 1940, they were granted 200 hectares in the island’s western region, not far from the Protestant settlement. On September 6, 1940, Father Simon and 24 parishioners set out on a 120-kilometer journey on foot. Only 18 people ultimately reached their destination, making the trek a true test of endurance.

On their new land, which was rich in nutmeg trees, the community built a small church. The village was named Palasari: “pala”meaning “nutmeg” and “sari” meaning “essence.” During the Japanese occupation in 1942, Father Simon was arrested and sent to Sulawesi. When he returned after the war in 1946, he found that the community had grown to 96 families.

Following Indonesia’s declaration of independence, Father Simon secured official recognition of the community’s land rights. He continued his pastoral work until his death in 1960, and in Palasari, his memory is honored—one of the streets bears his name.

From 1954 to 1958, a modern Catholic church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Hati Kudus Yesus) was built on the site of the old, dilapidated church. The project was led by Father Ignacio de Vrieze, with Balinese architects Ida Bagus Tugur and I Gusti Nyoman Rai bringing his ideas to life.

The new church stands in the center of the village and has a cruciform layout. Its architecture seamlessly fuses Neo-Gothic style and traditional Balinese design. The project was developed using the concept of the three mandalas, similar to Hindu temples. The main gates, adorned with crosses, resemble the traditional Balinese candi bentar. The church’s three domes symbolize the Holy Trinity and are reminiscent of meru towers found in Hindu temples.

The black domes, made of palm fibers, contrast strikingly with the building’s white façade. Seven crosses on the façade represent the Seven Sacraments of the Church. Inside, a vaulted ceiling supported by massive wooden beams makes a strong impression. Large windows let in soft natural light. Near the altar and the statues of Mary and Jesus, there are umbrellas similar to those used in Hindu temples. Notably, figurines of angels are dressed in traditional Balinese attire.

Today, Palasari remains the largest Catholic community on Bali. In 2002, it was home to 319 families; by 2006, that number had grown to 331. Despite government migration programs leading some residents to move to Sulawesi and Sumatra, the community continues to grow and preserve its traditions.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Church is not only a religious center but also a symbol of cultural fusion, where Catholic faith has intertwined organically with Balinese traditions. Its unique architecture and historical significance make Palasari Village a key cultural heritage site on the island of Bali.