News Update: New Temple Progress in Brazil and Indonesia Announced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

An artist's rendering of the João Pessoa Brazil Temple.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released exciting updates regarding temple developments in both Brazil and Indonesia. These announcements highlight the continued worldwide growth of the Church and underscore the importance of temple worship for Latter-day Saints.

Groundbreaking Date Set for the João Pessoa Brazil Temple

The First Presidency has officially announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for the João Pessoa Brazil Temple will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Elder Joni L. Koch, Brazil Area President, will preside at the event.

This temple will be built on a 3.9-acre site located at Rua Paulino Pinto and Avenida Ministro José Américo de Almeida in the Cabo Branco neighborhood.

The João Pessoa Brazil Temple site location.

A Growing Church in Brazil

Brazil is home to more than 1.5 million members of the Church, organized into over 2,000 congregations. The country continues to see significant temple growth, with 11 temples currently operating and 24 temples either announced, under construction, or completed.

Operating temples include: Belém, Brasília, Campinas, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Manaus, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and São Paulo.

Many more, including Belo Horizonte, Florianópolis, Goiânia, Londrina, Maceió, Natal, Santos, Vitória, and São Paulo East, are in various stages of development.

A Message from President Russell M. Nelson

When the João Pessoa Temple was first announced in October 2023, President Russell M. Nelson emphasized the spiritual blessings of temple worship:

“The temple is a place of revelation. There you are shown how to progress toward a celestial life. There you are drawn closer to the Savior and given greater access to His power.”

An exterior rendering of the Jakarta Indonesia Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Rendering Released for the Jakarta Indonesia Temple

The Church has also unveiled the exterior rendering for the Jakarta Indonesia Temple, the first temple to be built in the nation.

Temple Details:

The temple will be located at Synthesis Square on Jalan Gatot Subroto in South Jakarta. Plans include:

1. A three-story temple totaling nearly 50,000 square feet

2. An ancillary building for arrival facilities

3. A meetinghouse

4. Patron housing

A map showing the location of the Jakarta Indonesia Temple.

Church Growth in Indonesia

Indonesia is home to nearly 8,000 Latter-day Saints who gather in about 25 congregations. The construction of this new house of the Lord marks a historic moment for members in the region.

President Nelson reminded members during the April 2023 announcement:

“Jesus Christ is the reason we build temples. Each is His holy house.”

Why Temples Matter

Unlike meetinghouses where weekly worship services are held, temples are considered sacred houses of the Lord. Inside, members participate in ordinances that:

1. Strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ

2. Unite families for eternity

3. Provide spiritual guidance and understanding of life’s purpose

4. Temples serve as places of learning, peace, and covenant making—central pillars of Latter-day Saint faith