Christian Heritage Sites in Mojowarno: Untapped Religious Tourism Potential
JOMBANG-JAYA NEWS.COM – Long recognized as the City of Islamic Scholars, Jombang holds an overlooked treasure of Christian religious tourism that remains largely unknown to the public. This revelation emerged from a visit by Surabaya-based history enthusiast Dian Karadona, who explored historical sites from the Dutch colonial era in Mojowarno on Sunday (Jan. 11, 2026).
During the visit, Dian examined several historical locations related to the early spread of Christianity in East Java, particularly through the cultural acculturation approach that gave birth to the Javanese Christian Church (Gereja Kristen Jawi Wetan/GKJW). This exploration opened new insights into the diversity of religious history in Jombang.
The historical journey began at the GKJW Mojowarno church building, a silent witness to the spread of Christianity through a cultural approach. This colonial-style church was constructed on February 24, 1879, and officially opened on March 3, 1881. The building serves not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of the unique acculturation between Javanese and Christian cultures.
“Mojowarno marks the beginning of Christianity’s spread through Javanese cultural acculturation, which gave birth to GKJW. This demonstrates an approach that deeply respects local culture,” Dian explained when met at the research site.
From the church, the journey continued to a public cemetery located approximately one kilometer to the east. This cemetery complex holds the graves of important figures who contributed to the development of modern healthcare in Mojowarno.
One notable grave is that of Reverend Johannes (Jan) Kruyt and his son, Arie Kruyt. They are credited as the founders of “Kamar Jamu” (Medicine Room), which became the precursor to Mojowarno Christian Hospital. This healthcare institution was inaugurated on June 6, 1894, by the then-Regent of Mojokerto and Jombang, Raden Adipati Ario Kromodjojo Adi Negoro.
The establishment of this hospital marked the beginning of modern healthcare services for the community in the area. What started as a simple “Kamar Jamu” developed into a well-organized hospital.
Within the same cemetery complex, there are also graves of several hospital directors from the Netherlands, including Dr. Bervoets and Dr. A. Nortier. These medical professionals continued the healthcare services initiated by the Kruyt family, demonstrating long-term dedication to serving the Mojowarno community.
The exploration then proceeded to Mojoroto Hamlet, Mojowangi Village, to visit the grave of Reverend J.E. Jellesma. He was a missionary sent by the Nederlandsche Zendeling Genootschap (NZG), an organization that dispatched missionaries from the Netherlands to the Dutch East Indies in the 19th century.
Reverend Jellesma is known as a pioneer of modern healthcare for the Mojowarno community. He introduced modern medical methods that differed from the traditional healing practices of the time. The work and dedication of Reverend Jellesma were later continued by Reverend Johannes Kruyt and his son, making healthcare services an integral part of their humanitarian mission.
From this visit, Dian Karadona shared intriguing insights about Jombang’s potential as a plural religious tourism destination. “Jombang, which has been synonymous with the City of Islamic Scholars and a pilgrimage destination for Muslims at the grave of Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School’s founder, also has potential as a pilgrimage site for Christians, especially GKJW members to trace the spread of Christianity,” he stated.
According to him, the existence of Christian historical sites in Mojowarno demonstrates that Jombang is a city with an interesting pluralistic dimension worth developing. This serves as a valuable asset that can enrich Indonesia’s diversity heritage.
“From this perspective, it shows that Jombang is a city with an intriguing pluralistic dimension worth developing. Not only for Muslims, but Christians also have historically significant sites here,” Dian added.
Dian expressed that he was quite impressed with the historical wealth preserved in Mojowarno. However, he also voiced concerns about the preservation conditions of these sites, which he believes still require more serious attention.
“Preservation efforts are needed for the cultural sites in Mojowarno, both tangible and intangible heritage. This includes historic buildings, graves of important figures, as well as documentation of oral history and archives,” he emphasized.
He hopes that local government, history communities, and the public can work together to maintain and preserve this historical heritage. Proper preservation will not only safeguard collective memory but can also become a valuable religious tourism and educational asset.
Dian Karadona’s visit is expected to open the eyes of various parties to the potential of historical and religious tourism preserved in Mojowarno, while encouraging more comprehensive preservation efforts to protect the region’s cultural heritage.**
Lukius,
Contributor of Jombang
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