Creating Community: Stasi Santa Maria Karunia Bakti Church

A Remote Haven in Indonesia

Nestled on Mengkait Island within the Kepulauan Anambas Regency of the Riau Islands Province, Stasi Santa Maria Karunia Bakti Church stands as a beacon of faith and community amidst the breathtaking landscapes of South Siantan, Indonesia. Accessible only by a complex journey involving flights, ferries, and boats, this remote island is home to the Oang Laot, an indigenous fishing community deeply connected to the ocean’s bounty.

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Addressing Community Needs

The existing Catholic church on Mengkait Island struggled to accommodate its growing parish, with approximately 500 members seeking to attend irregularly scheduled Masses conducted by a priest from the nearby town of Tarempa. Recognizing the need for a larger place of worship, Studio Lawang, in collaboration with Jala Kasih, embarked on the construction of a new church, Stasi Santa Maria Karunia Bakti.

Architectural Response to Nature

Situated atop the island’s highest point, the church’s design is a testament to its surroundings. Confronted with strong ocean winds, the architects devised a triangular profile that gently slopes towards the inland, mimicking the form of an ocean wave or a boat—a nod to the island’s maritime heritage. This thoughtful approach allows the wind to flow gracefully through the structure, minimizing resistance and maximizing comfort for worshippers within.

Community Collaboration

What sets this project apart is the active involvement of the Mengkait community, regardless of religious affiliation. Embodying the spirit of gotong-royong, or communal cooperation, local residents contributed their energy and enthusiasm to the construction process, forging a sense of shared purpose and pride in the island’s new landmark.

Challenges and Triumphs

Despite facing logistical hurdles, such as material sourcing and limited communication infrastructure, the project persevered, overcoming technical constraints and the complexities of coordinating during a global pandemic. A rainwater harvesting system, intended to address the island’s freshwater scarcity, remains a future addition, symbolizing the church’s commitment to sustainability and community welfare.

A Beacon of Hope

In the face of adversity, Stasi Santa Maria Karunia Bakti Church stands as a testament to the transformative power of collective action and shared vision. As it serves the spiritual and social needs of the Mengkait community, the church embodies resilience, unity, and hope, offering a sanctuary of faith and a source of inspiration for generations to come.