One scorching Jakarta afternoon, a ripple of quiet anticipation spread through our tour group as we stood before Masjid Al Akbar. This majestic structure, also known as the Great Mosque of Surabaya, isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a testament to Indonesian resilience and a symbol of Islamic devotion in East Java. Masjid Al Akbar is the second largest mosque in Indonesia, surpassed only by Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque in terms of capacity. Its towering minaret, reaching 99 meters towards the heavens, stands as a tribute to the 99 names of Allah.
The story of Masjid Al Akbar begins in 1995, a vision of then-Mayor Soenarto Soemoprawiro. The foundation stone was laid by Vice President Try Sutrisno, marking the start of a journey that would face unexpected challenges. The 1997 Asian financial crisis brought construction to a standstill, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the project’s future. Yet, like a prayer answered, work resumed in 1999, culminating in the mosque’s completion in 2000. President Abdurrahman Wahid inaugurated Masjid Al Akbar on November 10th, 2000, a moment of immense pride and celebration.
The mosque’s design is a marvel of engineering and artistry. A team from the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) in Surabaya, along with expert consultants, brought the vision to life. Imagine the scale: the building itself covers an area of 147 meters in length and 128 meters in width. The distinctive dome, resembling a half-egg with 1.5 layers, rises to a height of 27 meters. This unique shape is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a testament to the innovative architectural design. The same material used to cover the dome of the Selangor Grand Mosque in Shah Alam, Malaysia, graces Masjid Al Akbar, connecting these two grand structures across nations.
Step inside, and you’ll be struck by the grandeur of the space. The mihrab, the niche indicating the direction of prayer, is the largest in Indonesia, a focal point of devotion within the vast prayer hall. Masjid Al Akbar can accommodate an astounding 59,000 pilgrims, a testament to its importance as a center of Islamic worship. The mosque’s location beside the Surabaya-Gempol Highway makes it easily accessible, welcoming worshippers and visitors alike. As you leave Masjid Al Akbar, remember its story. It’s a story of vision, perseverance, and the power of faith, etched in stone and echoing in the hearts of thousands.