Nestled near Magelang on Java’s misty rainforests stands the Gereja Ayam, famously known as the Chicken Church. Far from a colonial relic or haunted dwelling (or strange joke), its origin lies in a vivid dream that visited Daniel Alamsjah in 1988.
Prompted by a vision of a dove atop a hill, Alamsjah envisioned a sanctuary transcending religious boundaries. Initially hesitant, he eventually purchased an acre on Rhema Hill, marking the genesis of his dream project. Despite bureaucratic hurdles and skepticism due to Indonesia’s predominantly Muslim population, Alamsjah persevered.
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However, financial constraints forced him to abandon the colossal structure in 2000, allowing nature to reclaim it. It wasn’t until the internet unearthed this enigmatic, abandoned space that the Chicken Church regained life.
A surge in visitors, spurred by online exposure, revived Alamsjah’s dream. Today, the once dilapidated interiors boast vibrant murals, and visitors can ascend to the crown, capping off their experience with a complimentary fried cassava at the cafe in the church’s rear. The Chicken Church’s resurgence, highlighting the power of online discovery, has transformed a seemingly bizarre dream into a thriving reality.
Top image: Nestled within the woodlands stands Gereja Ayam, a colossal structure artfully crafted serving as Indonesia’s chicken church. Source: Ario/Adobe Stock
