- Address: Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma, Ps. Baru, Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10710, Indonesia
- Tel: +62 21 3811708
- Website: masjidistiqlal.or.id
Indonesia is a country open to tourists. It gives unlimited opportunities for learning about your culture and attractions . The local mosques and temples have a variety of sizes and shapes, showing the world an amazing beauty. The largest mosque in Southeast Asia is Istiklal, erected in the Indonesian capital Jakarta . It marks Indonesian independence and thanks to Allah for his mercy to the country and to people, therefore they called it "Istiqlal", that is, "independence" in Arabic.
Historical reference
Each dependent country wants to become free. Indonesia was no exception, and in 1949, after gaining independence from the Netherlands, decided to consolidate its new status. For a state where the population professing Islam is the largest in the world, the construction of a grand mosque has become an important moment in history.
Four years later, the government established a committee to build the country's main mosque. The project was presented to Indonesian President Sukarno, who approved it and took control. The construction of the mosque was occupied by the architect Frederik Silaban. August 24, 1961 at the base of the Istiklal mosque by the president Sukarno was laid the first brick, and 17 years later, on February 22, 1978, he also took part in the grand opening.
Architecture
The Istiklal Mosque is built of white marble and has a regular rectangular shape. Very harmoniously complements the construction of a spherical 45-meter dome, supported by 12 steel columns.
The prayer hall is surrounded by rectangular supports with 4 tiers of balconies all around the perimeter of the mosque. In addition to the main hall, there is still a small forward with a 10-meter dome. The interior is stylized in a minimalist style, simple, with a small amount of decorative details. The main decoration of the prayer hall is the golden inscriptions of the Arabic script: on the right side is the name of Allah, on the left - the Prophet Muhammad, and in the middle - the 14th verse of the twentieth Surah of the Koran, Ta Ha.
What's interestnig?
The unique building of the XX century is the Istiklal mosque, and it is not for nothing that it is called the "Archipelago of a thousand mosques", since 120 thousand faithful Muslims can be accommodated in its walls. Tourists will be able not only to inspect the interior and architecture of the mosque, but also to feel the unique aura of Istiklal. On the territory of the mosque there is a small park where you can relax near the fountain under the greenery of trees.
A few interesting facts:
- The Istiklal Mosque still remains the largest in the region;
- In addition to the main purpose, cultural and social events, as well as exhibitions, lectures, conferences, seminars, various programs for women, children and youth are held there;
- The height of the single minaret is 96.66 m;
- Some time after the opening of the mosque, many Indonesians believed that the dome and minaret of the Istiklal mosque were made in a clear Arab style, and its architecture is very distinguished from the generally accepted Indonesian-Islamic architectural traditions. After that, President Sukarno suggested building mosques only in Javanese style;
- in the mosque is always cool, which is very nice in hot weather. Going inside, you can see how many Muslims just rest or lie, enjoying peace and quiet.
Rules for visiting the mosque
The entrance to the mosque is free, even on the holy feast of Ramadan it is allowed to enter people belonging to any confessions. Before entering, you need to remove your shoes, then foreigners are waiting for a thorough inspection of things. If your clothes do not cover your knees, you will have to wear a special gray cloak. On the underground floor there are cranes for washing feet and toilets. For those wishing to spend a tour for a symbolic donation.
The Istiklal Mosque works in this mode:
- from 12:00 to 13:00 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays;
- from 6:00 to 7:00 on Thursdays;
- from 10:00 to 14:00 on Fridays;
- from 6:00 to 20:00 on Sundays;
- weekends are Mondays and Saturdays.
How to get there?
Istiklal Mosque is located in the center of Jakarta . You can reach it from the station by buses Nos. 2, 2A, 2B, you need to leave at Istiqlal station.