Doesn’t the blue roof of Masjid Raya Pondok Indah catch your eye? This mosque stands as a beacon of faith blending modern and traditional architecture. Masjid Raya Pondok Indah is a famous place of worship in South Jakarta. It is located in the upscale Pondok Indah area.
Masjid Raya Pondok Indah was built between 1990 and 1992. The Pondok Indah Grand Mosque Foundation supported its construction. Ir H Ismail Sofyan led the planning. H Sudharmono, the Vice President of Indonesia, officially opened it on December 4, 1992. The mosque opened at 11:00 am and was immediately used for Friday prayers.
The mosque’s design is a fusion of styles. Its architecture reminds many of a Javanese joglo house. From above it looks amazing amidst the luxurious buildings around it. The building’s dominant color is blue. A 50-meter-tall pointed minaret topped with a crescent moon and star stands tall. People often call it the Blue Mosque because of its prominent blue color.
Inside, the Masjid Raya Pondok Indah feels spacious. Pillars line the sides of the room. The building has two floors. The ground floor serves as a multipurpose area. The second floor is the main prayer hall decorated with calligraphy. Asmaulhusna calligraphy adorns the top of the prayer room adding to its grandeur. The Qibla wall lacks a migrab room resembling the Quba Mosque built by Prophet Muhammad.
Masjid Raya Pondok Indah can accommodate up to 2,600 worshipers. Parking is ample. It can hold 500 motorcycles and 300 cars. CCTV cameras are installed throughout the mosque to prevent theft.
Beyond prayer, the mosque offers various facilities. These include a multipurpose building for events. It is used for religious events and wedding receptions. A Taman Pendidikan Al-Quran is there. Children come to learn and study the Quran. There is also a clinic offering health consultations. People can receive therapies like cupping and reflexology here. A sharia-based cooperative provides savings and loan services. The mosque even has a library with a wide selection of religious books.
During Ramadan, Masjid Raya Pondok Indah buzzes with activity. Free food is available for breaking the fast. Studies are held after dawn and evening prayers. During Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, thousands gather creating a festive atmosphere.
Masjid Raya Pondok Indah is more than just a place of worship. It is a community hub offering diverse services. It embodies a blend of tradition and modernity serving the spiritual and communal needs of its members.