Want to learn about the history of the Istiqlal Mosque? Check this out!
Photo by Mosquegrapher on Unsplash
As a country with a Muslim majority, Indonesia has a mosque that is recognized as the largest in Southeast Asia: the Istiqlal Mosque, located on Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma in Jakarta. But do you know these intriguing facts about the Istiqlal Mosque?
1. The establishment of the Istiqlal Mosque was planned four years after the Proclamation, and the term "istiqlal" itself means independence.
1. The establishment of the Istiqlal Mosque was planned four years after the Proclamation, and the term "istiqlal" itself means independence.
2. The mosque was designed by a non- Muslim, Frederich Silaban, who won the design competition in 1955.
3. The mosque was intentionally built next to the Cathedral Church to symbolize the spirit of brotherhood, unity, and tolerance among religious communities, as stated in Pancasila.
4. The architecture reflects modern international Islamic style, featuring stainless steel and marble materials.
5. The Istiqlal Mosque can accommodate around 200,000 people.
Photo by Mosquegrapher on Unsplash6. The building's design incorporates significant numbers and sizes. For instance, the 7 gates symbolize the 7 layers of heaven and the 7 days of the week. The dome has a diameter of 45 meters, representing the year of Indonesian independence. Furthermore, the main dome is supported by 12 pillars, which signify the date of the Prophet Muhammad's birth and also represent the 12 months of the year. Additionally, four levels of balconies with one main floor symbolize the number 5, reflecting the five pillars of Islam and the fifth principle of Pancasila. Finally, the two mosque structures symbolize dualism that coexist and complement each other, like heaven and earth, and the relationship between humans and God.
7. In 1991, the first Istiqlal Festival was held to showcase Indonesian Islamic art and culture, attended by representatives from countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, China, and Uighur.
8. In 1999, there was a bombing on the ground floor of the mosque, the motive for which remains undisclosed.
9. Various foreign state officials have visited the Istiqlal Mosque, including American Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
10. In addition to places of worship, the mosque offers various facilities, such as libraries, polyclinics, cooperatives, and sports facilities.
