Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta

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Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta

First opened to the general public by Indonesia’s first President on 22 Feb 1978, the Istiqlal Mosque of Jakarta is the biggest mosque in South East Asia both in construction and capacity, as it could adapt congregations of up to 120,000 individuals. Located at Jalan Taman Vijay Kusum in Central Jakarta, on the northeastern of the Merdeka Square, the Istiqlal Mosque stands out with its diameter dome and minarets. Standing right across the old Catholic church, the Istiqlal Mosque was designed in 1954 by Frederich Silaban.

The thought for the needs of a national mosque was motivated By Muslim leader K.Kh. Vahid Hashim and implemented by Cokro Aminoto, then Minister of Religious Affairs. Istiqlal meaning Freedom is a reminder of Indonesia’s struggle for national Independence. The construction which took 17 years was personally supervised by President Soekarno. The grand mosque has a large rectangular prayer hall with a dome supported by 12 round columns and has 4 degrees of balconies. Its inside is easy. In his short 18-hour visit to Indonesia on ninth and 10th. November 2010,” US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Barack Obama made a special visit to the Istiqlal mosque.

An aside note that President heard from the leader of the mosque, that he relayed to the press, was during the Christmas Mass, the parking lot of the mosque is utilized by the Cathedral’s congregation throughout the road. And vice-versa throughout Ied prayers. President Obama commended the Istiqlal Mosque as a sign of religious tolerance that characterizes Indonesia and Indonesians, inspiring the entire world.

The grand Istiqlal monastery in Jakarta is simple to reach since It’s near the Gambir train station. To come here from Sukarno Hatta International airport, you should use public transport like Metromini or Transjakarta bus in the direction of Gambir. By Gambir, you can utilize motorbike taxi commonly called ojek, or, even if you prefer to, you might walk to this mosque.

Clare Louise

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