In the hills of Magelang, Central Java, stands one of Indonesia’s most unusual structures. Known as the Chicken Church Indonesia (Gereja Ayam), it attracts curious travellers on their way to Borobudur and Yogyakarta.
The Chicken Church is located in the hills of Bukit Rhema, approximately 3 km from Borobudur Temple. It spans two villages, Karangrejo and Kembanglimus, in Borobudur District, Magelang Regency.
Chicken Church Indonesia: A House of Prayer in the Jungles of Java near Yogyakarta
Despite the nickname, the building was never meant to resemble a chicken. Officially called Bukit Rhema, its design represents a crowned dove, symbolising peace and the Holy Spirit.
This house of prayer is open to all faiths. It has become a cultural landmark, blending religious philosophy, social projects and tourism.
For expats and foreign visitors, Bukit Rhema offers not only a striking architectural site but also lessons in Indonesia’s spiritual diversity.
The Story of Bukit Rhema
Bukit Rhema was built in 1992 by Daniel Alamsjah after a series of recurring dreams in 1988. In these dreams, he was instructed to build a house of prayer on a hill he had never visited.
His son, William Wenas, explained, “Perhaps people associate the owner as a Christian, making this house of prayer a church. But it’s actually a house of prayer for all religions, without exception.”
Following a chance encounter with a local young man in Borobudur, Daniel found the hill that matched his dream. The site, in Gombong Hamlet, Kembanglimus Village, became the chosen location for the prayer house.
The name “Rhema” comes from the biblical phrase “living word”. From the start, it was intended as a place of inclusivity rather than a single faith institution. So tourist from other religion such as muslim and buddhist can also visit this place.
Architecture of an Icon: Introduction to an Unusual Structure
Dove or Chicken?
Most visitors call Bukit Rhema the Chicken Church because of the structure on its crown, which resembles a rooster’s comb. In reality, the design is based on a dove, not a chicken.
Originally, it apparently looked more like a dove until the “crown” was added to the head of the bird, which made it appear more chicken-like. The crown symbolises peace, while the body represents the dove as a messenger of hope.
Bukit Rhema stands seven floors high without a central pillar. Each floor has its own philosophy, representing themes such as prayer, miracles, God’s goodness, and Indonesia’s cultural diversity.
- Basement: 26 small rooms for private prayer, used for quiet reflection.
- Ground Floor: Reception hall and main hall for services and meetings.
- Second Floor: Exhibition area displaying paintings and art about life, prayer and miracles.
- Third Floor: Education and meeting rooms used for seminars and community gatherings.
- Fourth Floor: Gallery and photo area, decorated with paintings and murals.
- Fifth Floor: Observation deck with wide views of Magelang’s hills and forest.
- Crown of the Dove: The highest level offers 360-degree views, a prime spot to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Facilities and Accessibility
For foreign tourists and expats, the Chicken Church Indonesia is an accessible day trip from Yogyakarta. The site offers:
- Large parking areas for cars and motorbikes
- Jeep tours to explore the nearby jungle and hills
- Prayer rooms and worship corridors for different religions
- Toilets and a musala for Muslim visitors
- A souvenir centre and mini museum
Entrance Fees and Opening Hours
- Domestic visitors: Rp 25,000
- Foreign visitors: Rp 50,000
- Parking: Rp 5,000 for motorbikes and Rp 3,000 for cars
- Open daily except Tuesday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
How to get to the Chicken Church Indonesia
From Borobudur Temple
Bukit Rhema is located just 3.9 km from Borobudur Temple. Travellers often combine the two sites in one trip. The short drive from Borobudur takes less than 15 minutes.
From Yogyakarta
From Yogyakarta International Airport, visitors can rent a car or take a train to Tugu Station and continue by car. Direct trains from Jakarta to Yogyakarta are also an option. Popular executive services include Argo Semeru, Taksaka, Gajayana, and Argo Dwipangga.
Budget travellers may prefer the Batavia train. Tickets can be booked online through apps such as Traveloka or Tiket.com.
Public transport is not recommended, as the journey is long and requires walking uphill. Renting a car or joining a local tour is the most practical choice for foreign visitors.
Why Visit the Chicken Church of Java?
For expats and foreign tourists, the Chicken Church Indonesia is more than an architectural curiosity. It is a place where spirituality and cultural identity intersect.
The building represents diversity, providing space for all faiths. At the same time, it stands as an unusual structure in the middle of the Central Java jungle, close to one of the world’s most famous temples.
Visiting Bukit Rhema gives travellers a deeper look at Java beyond Borobudur. It is perched on a hill in a forest on the Indonesian island of Java. And it also shows how local visions, dreams and traditions can shape a landmark that is both spiritual and practical.
Whether you come for the view, the architecture, the history or the cultural experience, Bukit Rhema adds an extra dimension to any trip in Magelang or Yogyakarta.
