The 2025 Provincial Catholic Church Choir Festival (Pesparani) of Special Autonomy Jakarta opened at the Christ the King’s Pejompongan Parish Church in Central Jakarta on July 19.
Under the theme “Let Us Celebrate the Spirit of Faith, Culture, and Brotherhood,” the event symbolizes the Catholic community’s unity through liturgical art and sacred music.
Mr. Fajar Eko Satriyo, Head of the Bureau of Education and Spiritual Affairs of the Jakarta Provincial Government, officially opened the ceremony, reflecting strong government support for the spiritual and cultural formation of Catholic faithful.
The opening ceremony began with a concelebrated Mass presided over by Fr. Samuel Pangestu, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Jakarta, followed by the ceremonial gong strike by Mr. Satriyo.
Mr. Antonius Sinaga, Catholic Community Advisor at the Regional Office of Jakarta’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, affirmed the government’s support for inclusive religious life.
“Pesparani is a space for faith expression and a means of shaping the religious character of Catholics. It aligns with our vision to promote religious moderation, tolerance, and fraternity,” he said.
The opening competition featured performances from ten parish choirs in the Women’s Adult Choir category, with St. Leo the Great Parish, Jatiwaringin securing first place, followed by Holy Family Parish, Rawamangun in second, and Immaculate Mary Parish, Kalideres in third.
Fr. Antonius Suyadi, Chair of the Jakarta Regional Institute (LP3KD), explained that Jakarta’s Pesparani will run through October 2025, covering ten of the thirteen categories typically featured nationally. These categories include Psalms, religious quizzes, scripture storytelling, and choir performances.
The festival also serves as a platform to select the delegation representing Jakarta at the upcoming National Catholic Pesparani.
The event is organized by Jakarta’s LP3KD, with significant participation from figures such as Mr. Mulyawan Margadana, Chairman of the National Catholic Church Choir Festival Development and Development Institute (LP3KN). – Antonius Sinaga contributed to this article.
