RAAP—003

DIVINE CHICKEN CHURCH

Gereja Ayam, also known as the Chicken-shaped Church, is located on a hill in a forest on the Indonesian island of Java. Situated in Magelang, Central Java, it is approximately a 20-minute drive from the world-renowned Buddhist monument, Borobudur.

The church was conceived and constructed by Daniel Alamsjah, with the construction beginning in 1992. Inspired by what Alamsjah describes as a divine dream in which he was instructed to build a place of worship for all people, the project became a 30-year endeavor. He envisioned a snow-white dove resting atop a hill, but due to the design’s resemblance to a rooster, the church became known locally as the “Chicken-shaped Church.”

Despite having no formal architectural background, Alamsjah designed the church himself. He emphasized that the church was intended for individuals of all religions, not just Christians.

The church faced numerous challenges, including local criticism, financial difficulties during the final stages of construction, and a period of disrepair in the mid-2000s. However, international media coverage in 2015 brought renewed attention and increased visitor numbers, allowing Alamsjah to complete the construction and surrounding facilities.