Picture the majestic Islamic Center Tangerang Selatan. Its gleaming white facade catches the sunlight. The air hums with a quiet energy. This isn’t just a mosque. It’s a testament to a dream. A dream shared by Moh Sartono and Muhammad Toyib. Two men who envisioned a grand Islamic Center in Ciputat and Pamulang.
Their vision took root in 2008. They saw a vast plot of land. It measured an impressive 9810 square meters along Maruga Road. The land was a key piece of their ambitious plan. They initially managed to acquire only 850 square meters. This small plot was a significant start however. The remaining land belonged to two owners. Hj Husna Taslim owned 810 square meters. Almarhum H Soedjarno owned the rest.
Their dream faced challenges. The cost of the land was a mere Rp 1 500 000 per square meter. But securing the entire plot proved difficult. Then came a crucial meeting. They presented their vision to the then acting Mayor Ir H M Shaleh MT. He wholeheartedly supported their project. He pledged Rp 125 000 000 and requested all departments to contribute.
However setbacks struck. Changes in leadership within the DKM and the Yayasan Masjid Akbar Al Ikhlas Pondok Benda stalled progress. The land was eventually registered as waqf land with the Indonesian Waqf Board BWI. Despite the setbacks Moh Sartono’s hope remains strong. He wants the 810 square meters acquired by the Yayasan Masjid Akbar Al Ikhlas Pondok Benda to benefit the Al Ikhlas mosque community.
Dr Ir H Masri Wendy Zulfikar MSc a former chairman of the foundation shares this vision. He emphasizes the importance of waqf land for the construction of mosques. He highlights the legal significance. He cites the example of the Istiqlal Mosque. Its location on non-waqf land resulted in government construction projects impacting its use. He suggests utilizing the waqf land for a mosque or an Islamic product exhibition gallery.
Undeterred by the past delays the Tangerang Selatan city government has started building a new Islamic Center. This new center is located behind the BSD Modern Market. It stands on the site of the former Ar Rahman Mosque. This expansive project covers 7000 square meters. It is funded by a Rp 35 billion city grant. The Islamic Center Tangerang Selatan continues to evolve. It represents the enduring spirit of faith and community. The realization of a dream built on hope perseverance and collaboration. The legacy of those who dared to dream big.