Can you hear the echoes of independence resonating through the walls of Masjid Istiqlal? This is no ordinary mosque. Masjid Istiqlal stands as a testament to Indonesia’s freedom and a symbol of religious harmony.
Istiqlal means independence in Arabic. It is a fitting name for a mosque built to commemorate Indonesia’s hard-won sovereignty. Imagine Jakarta in the years following the proclamation of independence in 1945. The nation’s leaders envisioned a grand national mosque. It would be a place where Indonesians could gather to worship and celebrate their newfound liberty.
Wahid Hasyim Indonesia’s first minister for religious affairs and Anwar Cokroaminoto first raised the idea of constructing the Istiqlal Mosque. Cokroaminoto then led the committee for its construction. President Sukarno embraced the vision. He personally supervised the project’s development.
The design competition was won by Friedrich Silaban. He was the son of a Lutheran pastor. His selection underscored the nation’s commitment to religious tolerance. Sukarno himself insisted on the mosque’s location. It had to be near Merdeka Square. This mirrored the Javanese tradition of situating the kraton royal palace and grand mosque around the main city square.
Sukarno further emphasized this harmony by decreeing that Masjid Istiqlal be built near Jakarta Cathedral and Immanuel Church. The Citadel Prins Frederick built in 1837 was demolished to clear the ground for the mosque. On August 24 1961 Sukarno laid the foundation stone. Seventeen years later on February 22 1978 President Suharto officially opened Masjid Istiqlal.
The mosque has seven entrances. Each gate is named after one of the Al-Asmaul-Husna. These are the names of God in Islam. The number seven represents the Seven Heavens. Inside you will find ablution fountains on the ground floor. The main prayer hall and courtyard are on the first floor.
Notice the main dome. It spans 45 meters in diameter. This symbolizes the 1945 Proclamation of Indonesian Independence. A stainless steel crescent and star adorns the dome. This is the symbol of Islam. Twelve columns support the dome. They represent the birthday of the prophet Muhammad.
The main floor and four levels of balconies create five floors. The number five signifies the Five Pillars of Islam. It also represents Pancasila the philosophical basis of the Indonesian state. The interior design is minimalist. Stainless steel geometric ornaments decorate it.
Look toward the qibla wall. A metalwork calligraphy spells the names of Allah and Muhammad. It also features a verse from Surah Thaha. Originally marble was planned to be imported from Italy. But to cut costs and support the local industry the marble came from Tulungagung in East Java.
Masjid Istiqlal has a single minaret. This symbolizes the oneness of God. It stands 66.66 meters tall. The stainless steel pinnacle adds another 30 meters. A large bedug a traditional drum stands near the minaret.
In 2019 the mosque underwent a major renovation. This included polishing the marble exterior upgrading systems and improving the surrounding gardens. Also a tunnel called the Terowongan Silaturahmi or Tunnel of Friendship now connects Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral.
In 2024 Pope Francis visited Masjid Istiqlal. He signed an Istiqlal Declaration with the Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar. He called the mosque concrete proof of religious moderation in Indonesia.
Masjid Istiqlal can accommodate over 200000 worshippers. It remains a vital center for religious and cultural activities. As you leave consider the powerful message of Masjid Istiqlal. It stands as a symbol of independence unity and faith.