Doesn’t the name Istiqlal just roll off the tongue? It means Independence in Arabic. Right here before us stands the Istiqlal Mosque. It is a powerful symbol of Indonesia’s freedom. Its story is as grand as its architecture.
The idea for this national mosque arose after Indonesia’s independence in 1945. It was Wahid Hasyim and Anwar Cokroaminoto who championed the vision. President Sukarno embraced the idea. He even supervised its construction.
In 1954 Sukarno became the project’s technical supervisor. A design competition followed. Friedrich Silaban won. This is an interesting fact. He was the son of a Lutheran pastor.
Several locations were considered. Vice President Mohammad Hatta wanted it near Thamrin Avenue. Sukarno wanted it near Merdeka Square. This aligned with Javanese tradition. The king’s palace and grand mosque should be near the main square. Sukarno also wanted it near the Jakarta Cathedral and Immanuel Church. This symbolized religious harmony.
The chosen site was Taman Widjaja Kusuma. It was formerly Wilhelmina Park. An old citadel had to be demolished to make way.
Sukarno laid the foundation stone on August 24 1961. Construction took 17 years. President Suharto inaugurated the Istiqlal Mosque on February 22 1978.
Istiqlal Mosque is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. It can accommodate over 120000 people.
The Istiqlal Mosque has seen some dramatic events. In 1978 a bomb exploded near the mimbar. Luckily no one was hurt. Another bomb attack occurred in 1999. It damaged the basement.
Major renovations took place between 2019 and 2020. They cost 35 million US dollars. The work included polishing marble and upgrading systems. A tunnel was built connecting Istiqlal Mosque to the Jakarta Cathedral. It is called the Tunnel of Friendship.
In 2024 Pope Francis visited. He declared Istiqlal Mosque proof of religious moderation in Indonesia. He also signed the Istiqlal Declaration with the Grand Imam.
The Istiqlal Mosque has seven entrances. These gates are named after Al-Asmaul-Husna. These are the names of God in Islam. The number seven represents the Seven Heavens. Ablution fountains are on the ground floor. The prayer hall and courtyard are on the first floor.
The main prayer hall has a 45-meter diameter dome. The number 45 symbolizes the year of Indonesian independence 1945. A stainless steel crescent and star adorn the dome. Twelve columns support the dome. They represent the Prophet Muhammad’s birth date.
The main floor and four balconies create five levels. The number five represents the Five Pillars of Islam. The interior design is minimalist. Stainless steel geometric ornaments decorate the space. A mihrab and minbar stand on the qibla wall. Metalwork displays Arabic calligraphy.
The single minaret is 66.66 m tall. It symbolizes the verses in the Quran. A 30-meter pinnacle tops the minaret. It represents the 30 juz of the Quran.
Some Muslims found Istiqlal’s design too modern. President Suharto then supported building mosques with Javanese designs.
Istiqlal Mosque has hosted many important visitors. These include Barack Obama Bill Clinton and Angela Merkel.
During Christian celebrations Istiqlal Mosque provides parking for worshippers at the Jakarta Cathedral.
Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar has made Istiqlal Mosque more environmentally friendly. Solar panels slow-flow faucets and a water recycling system have been installed. The World Bank recognized Istiqlal as a green-certified place of worship.
The Istiqlal Mosque stands not only as a place of worship. It is a testament to Indonesia’s journey. It embodies independence unity and faith.