The Cathedral of Saint Joseph (Indonesian: Katedral Santo Yosef), commonly known as Pontianak Cathedral, is a prominent Roman Catholic landmark in Pontianak. It serves as the mother church of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Pontianak and stands as the episcopal seat of Agustinus Agus.
The roots of the cathedral date back to 1905, when an apostolic prefecture was established in what was then known as Dutch Borneo. Shortly after, missionaries from the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (Capuchins) began their mission in Pontianak. The first church in the city was completed in 1908 and consecrated in 1909, marking the beginning of Catholic presence in the region.
On January 3, 1961, the church was elevated to cathedral status following the establishment of the archdiocese through the papal bull Quod Christus, issued by Pope John XXIII. This milestone officially recognized Pontianak as an archdiocesan center.
Over time, the Catholic community in Pontianak grew significantly, eventually outgrowing the original church building. In 2011, the old structure was demolished to make way for a larger and more modern cathedral.
The current cathedral was completed and opened to the public on December 19, 2014. It is now one of the largest churches in the region, reflecting both architectural grandeur and the growing faith community it serves. The cathedral was formally dedicated on March 19, 2015, in conjunction with the Feast of Saint Joseph.
Throughout its history, the cathedral has been continuously served by priests of the Capuchin Order, maintaining a strong spiritual and missionary tradition. Today, it stands not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of the enduring Catholic heritage in West Kalimantan.
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Sunday Closed
Contact Info:
- Phone Number: +62561734739
- Address: Jl. Pattimura Indah No.195, Darat Sekip, Kec. Pontianak Kota, Kota Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat 78011, Indonesia.
