MELAKA: The iconic Christ Church of Melaka in Bandar Hilir helps promote tourism by hosting a delegation of Indonesian Christians.
Region Priest and Pastor of the Anglican Church Rev Thomas Cherian, said the event held last week saw dozens of visitors from Indonesia journey to the historic city, not only for a spiritual experience at the church but also to explore Melaka’s rich cultural heritage.
“The Indonesian Association of Churches had organised this event here for the third consecutive year,” he said in an interview on Wed (Feb 26).
Cherian highlighted the deep historical ties between Indonesian Protestant Churches and Melaka, rooted in their shared Dutch colonial heritage.
“Indonesian Protestant Christians are well aware of Christ Church, which was originally built as a Dutch place of worship.
"In Indonesia, the locals often refer to this iconic building as the ‘Red Church,’” he said, adding that it's the oldest functioning Protestant church in the country, which was opened in 1753.
Cherian said this year’s event had about 250 participants, the majority of whom were Indonesian pastors and church leaders from major cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan and Batam.
"Additionally, attendees came from Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, as well as Sabah and Sarawak.
"Efforts in fostering cross-border religious and cultural engagement not only strengthen spiritual ties but also contribute to the growth of state’s religious tourism sector," he added.
