Istiqlal Mosque Muslim Indonesia Pride

Istiqlal Mosque

When entering the Istiqlal mosque, there is implied in the heart of pride. The mosque that stood on the land area of 9.5 hectares, was recorded as the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Consisting of building mosques, parks, parking lot, the fountain and the river that surrounds it.

Istiqlal word derived from Arabic which means "Independence", The word is deliberately used as Indonesian Muslims gratitude for the gift of independence. On December 7, 1954 some Muslim leaders to establish a foundation that is named foundation Istiqlal mosque. With the aim to establish a Grand Mosque in Jakarta.

The legend says that could happen pros and cons of locations that will be built mosque. There are two options offered by the location of the time, one in the area that is now the Hotel Indonesia (HI) and another in the Dutch Fort of new market areas. Former Dutch fort is then made in Istiqlal mosque locations. "This mosque was once the Dutch fort, and I think this location is appropriate because it is a unity with the National Monument [Monument]" said Drs. H. Subandi, M. Si, As Secretary of the Executive Manager Istiqlal Mosque [BPPMI].

Construction of this mosque took a long time, about 17 years. Construction began was founded in 1961 and completed in 1978, begins on the presidents Sukarno and Suharto's presidential term ended. Architecture of this mosque is the work of architect F. Silaban, winner of the contest which was held in 1955 to acquire an image plan mosque liberty.

The mosque is supported by 12 large pillars as a symbol of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. The main floor serves to prayer can accommodate 16,000 worshipers, right and rear left side there are five-story floors which can accommodate 61,000 people worshipers. Below the main floor is the ground floor, there is a glass room that is big enough and is now used for kindergarten Istiqlal mosque. On this floor also there are 2 halls for various activities, there are also offices BPPMI and Islamic organizations such as, MUI center, DMI Centre and others.

Pengeloalan Istiqlal mosque is under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and there is always a good activity daily, weekly, monthly or yearly. Eid prayer is an annual event always attended by RI-1, RI-2 and other government officials. This indicates that the Istiqlal mosque is the national mosque, which is closely linked with the history of the Indonesian nation.

For foreign and domestic tourists who want to see (religious tourism) and require more complete information will be accompanied by a guide who is always ready to serve at the information center. As Muslims, as well as Indonesian citizens, we should be grateful to have such a magnificent place of worship.