Photograph to follow.
The tree of hope
On 21 June 2026 Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited the site and planted a cypress as a tree of hope. Rows of cypress will surround the cathedral.
The New Cathedral
A cathedral in ironwood, built together.
The new cathedral measures 60 by 23 metres and stands on concrete piles driven into the Agats swamp. Its whole structure is ironwood, a timber that withstands salt water and humidity. Construction began in 2015, paused, and resumed in 2025. By June 2026 the main structure was complete; 35 workers were finishing the building and 16 the interior, all in Asmat timber and all by hand.
Current stage: Purlins and trusses.
Who is building it
The cathedral is funded by parishioners, the Asmat Regency government, voluntary gifts from Catholic civil servants, and donors. The Bishop calls it a home for all of us: the parish, the workers, the government, and the donors.
The tree of hope
On 21 June 2026 Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited the site and planted a cypress as a tree of hope. Rows of cypress will surround the cathedral.
Timber
The whole structure is ironwood; floors, walls and ceilings are local Asmat timber, worked by hand.
Built from this land's timber, by the people's own hands.
2015
Construction begins.
Work pauses for lack of funds.
2025
Work resumes with the parish, the Asmat Regency government, and donors.
10 June 2026
The roof purlins are blessed.
On 10 June 2026 the roof purlins were blessed at a Mass celebrated by Fr. Yulius Hirnawan Christyanto, OSC, with the Bishop present.
21 June 2026
The tree of hope.
On 21 June 2026 Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka visited the site and planted a cypress as a tree of hope. Rows of cypress will surround the cathedral.
2026
Main structure complete. Roof and interior in Asmat timber, 51 workers on site.
Dedication of the cathedral.
Construction stages
- Complete
- In progress
- Planned
- 01
Concrete piles and foundation
Complete
- 02
Foundation reinforcement
Complete
- 03
Floor deck and frame
Complete
- 04
Main posts and frame
Complete
- 05
Purlins and trusses
In progress
Blessed on
- 06
Battens and roof
In progress
- 07
Walls, ceiling and timber interior
In progress
- 08
Carving, altar and liturgical furnishings
Planned
- 09
Grounds, cypress trees and dedication
Planned
Cypress planted on
“All the timber is from here. All of it is done by hand.”
Building Journal
June 2026
October 2025
Lantai mulai dipasang
September 2025
Rangka lantai berbentuk salib
Those who are building it
Parishioners, donors and volunteers who chose to be named. This cathedral is a home for all of us.
Names appear after review by the parish communications team.
Next stages
- 05
Purlins and trusses — In progress
- 06
Battens and roof — In progress
- 07
Walls, ceiling and timber interior — In progress
- 08
Carving, altar and liturgical furnishings — Planned
- 09
Grounds, cypress trees and dedication — Planned
Gifts are voluntary and given according to one’s means. The only official account and QRIS code are those shown on the Donate page and in the church.
New Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Agats: 60 by 23 metres, concrete-pile foundation, ironwood structure, begun 2015, resumed 2025, structure complete June 2026, roof and interior in local Asmat timber, located in Agats, Asmat Regency, South Papua.