If you are looking for a unique and spiritual destination in Indonesia, you might want to consider visiting the Jesus Statue in Toraja, also known as Patung Yesus Kristus Memberkati or Patung Yesus Buntu Burake. This impressive monument stands on the top of Buntu Burake hill in Makale, the capital of Tana Toraja Regency in South Sulawesi. It is one of the tallest statues of Jesus Christ in the world, measuring 40 meters in height, including the pedestal
The statue was inaugurated in 2015, after a competition was
held in 2013 to design and build it. The winner was Supriadi, an artist from
Yogyakarta, who worked with Hardo Wardoyo Suwarto to create the bronze
statue. The project cost 22 billion rupiah (about 1.65 million USD) and
was supported by the governor of South Sulawesi, Syahrul Yasin Limpo, to
promote tourism in Tana Toraja The official opening ceremony was held
on December 23, 2018, by President Joko Widodo, as part of the Tana Toraja
Oikumene Christmas celebration.
The statue depicts Jesus Christ with his arms open, blessing
the town of Makale and the surrounding mountains. From the base of the statue,
you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire district, which is nestled among
karst hills and green valleys. You can also see the Masjid Raya Makale (Makale
Grand Mosque) and the Lakipadada statue of a Torajan hero in the middle of a
small manmade lake
The statue is not only a religious attraction, but also a
cultural one. It reflects the Christian faith of modern-day Torajans, who were
converted by Dutch missionaries in the early 20th century. Today, about 65% of
Torajans are Protestant and 17% are Roman Catholic, while the rest follow Islam
or the traditional religion of Aluk Tu Dolo (Way of the Ancestors)
The statue is also a testament to the diversity and harmony
of Indonesia, where different religions and ethnic groups coexist peacefully.
It is a symbol of tolerance and unity, as well as a source of pride and
inspiration for Torajans and Indonesians alike.
To visit the statue, you can drive or take public
transportation to Makale, which is about 12 kilometers from Rantepao, the main
tourist hub in Tana Toraja. The statue is located on Buntu Burake hill, which
is accessible by vehicles or by stairs. There is also a glass bridge that
connects the statue to another hilltop, where you can find a chapel and a park
The best time to visit the statue is in the morning or
evening, when you can witness the sunrise or sunset over the horizon. You can
also join the local people in praying or singing hymns at the chapel or at the
base of the statue.
The Jesus Statue in Toraja is a must-see attraction for
anyone who wants to experience the beauty and spirituality of this region. It
is a remarkable work of art that showcases the creativity and faith of
Torajans, as well as their respect for nature and culture.