Istiqlal Mosque

. Overview. Istiqlal Mosque is a magnificent mosque that stands firmly in the center of the capital of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta. This magnificent mosque was established on August 24, 1961 and inaugurated its use on February 22, 1978. In the 1970s, this mosque is the most magnificent mosques in Southeast Asia. The splendor of this mosque is a symbol of gratitude for the gift of God in the form of the independence of Indonesia. The name of liberty derived from the Arabic language has a meaning equivalent to the word "independence". The idea of ​​building this mosque originally appeared in 1949, ie after the transfer of sovereignty by the Dutch colonial government to the people of Indonesia. This idea was born from the scholars and leading figures at the time, of which KH Wahid Hasyim (the first Minister of Religious Affairs), H. Agus Salim, Anwar Cokroaminoto, Ir. Sofyan, and K.H. Taufiqurrahman. Development idea of ​​this mosque was warmly welcomed by the president of Indonesia at the time, Ir. Sukarno. Even at that time Ir. Sukarno tried hard to help the realization of development masjid.Setelah approval, in 1953, the mosque building committee was formed, headed by Anwar Cokroaminoto, who subsequently was appointed as the Chairman of the Istiqlal Mosque. Committee is tasked to execute the construction of mosques as a whole. Through this committee, in 1954, Ir. Soekarno was appointed as Head of Technical Development and the Istiqlal Mosque is also defined as a mock jury pembangunannya.Pada contest in 1955, this committee held a contest to make sketches and mockups Istiqlal mosque. That said, the contest was attended by 30 participants. Among the 30 participants are included 27 people who submit sketches and maketnya. However, of 27 participants only 22 participants who meet competition requirements. After assessing and evaluating, the jury ultimately define five participants as the nominee. Five participants were F. Silaban with the theme of "deity", R. Oetoyo with the theme "istigfar", Hans Groenewegen with the theme of "greetings", the five students ITB with the theme of "inspiration", and three students of ITB with the theme "equator". After going through a long process, the jury then set F. Silaban as the winner. F. Silaban is a descendant of a religious Batak Nasrani.Proyek construction of this mosque was not run as smoothly and easily. Since planned in the 1950s to the 1960s founded the mosque was not finished. This construction delays due to political situation at that time that was less supportive and beneficial. In those years, parliamentary democracy is applied. Political parties fighting each other and fight over their own interests. These conditions culminated in 1965-1966 when events erupt G30 S / PKI. Practically at a standstill the construction of mosques sekali.Setelah political situation eased, the Minister of Religious Affairs at the time, KH M. Dahlan, pioneered the redevelopment of this mosque. Ir stewardship. Sukarno later replaced by K.H. Idham who acts as Coordinator of the National Committee for Construction of a new Istiqlal Mosque. Under new management, the mosque was finally completed on 31 August 1967 and inaugurated on February 22, 1978 by President Suharto.



B. Feature

Istiqlal Mosque is famous for its grandeur of the building. Size of the building approximately 2.5 acres and occupies an area of ​​land measuring 9.5 hectares with a height of about 55.8 meters. Because buildings are so big and spacious, this mosque can accommodate about 200,000 pilgrims. As well as the glory, the mosque also has a distinctive architecture. The style of the building style of modern Islamic architecture. Tourists visiting the mosque to see the solid construction of this mosque which is dominated by rock marble and stainless steel, ranging from floors, walls, up to the dome. Dome of the mosque itself has a diameter of 45 meters which is made of stainless steel skeleton of the West German steel weighing 86 tons. The outside of the dome is coated with ceramic. The size of the diameter of the dome (45 meters) symbolizes the respect and gratitude to God for the gift of independence of Indonesia on August 18, 1945.Masjid has a floor of five. The roof dome is supported by 12 columns with a diameter of 2.5 meters. Five floors symbolize the five daily prayers that the duty of Muslims, while the 12 columns represent the date of birth of Prophet Muhammad (12 Rabiul Awal). In general, the building of this mosque is composed of the main building, the building predecessor, the giant porch, and patio around. The building is located behind the predecessor of the main building. The main function is as a precursor to building an additional room to the main building, while the patio around the side rooms flanking the main building which is also called the patio around. Meanwhile, a giant terrace building located on the left behind the main building. Building terraces is intentionally made to accommodate pilgrims pray in large numbers, such as prayer and Iduladha Idulfitri. Giant terraces are also often functioned as a place of religious events, such as race art of reading the Qur'an (MTQ) and the rituals haji.Wisatawan who visit this mosque can also see the largest drum in Indonesia. This drum diameter of about 2 meters by 3 meters long and weighs 2.3 tons. That said, the drum is made of meranti tree which has a 300-year-old. In addition, visitors can also see the mosque tower located on the east with a height of 6666 cm in diameter and 5 meters. These heights represent the number of verses in the Qur'an. Not far from the location of the mosque, visitors can also visit other attractions, such as the National Monument and New Market.



C. Location

The mosque is located at Jalan Pintu Air, Central Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia.



D. Access

Location Istiqlal Mosque is quite easy to reach, because it close to Gambir Station. To reach the site, from Sukarno-Hatta Airport to the direction of the station, visitors can use public transportation, like buses metronimi and Transjakarta. Gambir Station, visitors can walk or use a motorcycle taxi to the Istiqlal Mosque.



E. Accommodation and Other Facilities

Istiqlal Mosque until now has supporting facilities such as courtrooms, two-hall building, the Office of Management Executive Agency Istiqlal Mosque (BPPMI), lounge (VIP), and the technical implementation unit. Technical unit consists of scout mosques, kindergartens, libraries, KBIH, cooperatives, polyclinics, to recitals. The mosque is also used offices of religious institutions, including the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the Central Council of Mosques Indonesia (DMI), National Development and Advisory Center for Marriage Preservation (BP4), the Indonesian Mosque Youth Communication Youth (BKPRMI), Institute of Development Tilawatil Qur'an (LPTQ) National Level, Central Library Islam Indonesia (PPII), Association of Islamic Art and Culture (HSBI), the Association of Fraternity Qori Qoriah Hafiz Hafizhah Indonesia (IPQOH), Office of the tabloid magazine Friday, the National Women's Council of Islamic Organizations Islam Indonesia (BMOIWI), and the Office of the Secretariat of the World Assembly of Muslim scientists who visited the Branch Indonesia.Wisatawan can also attend religious events held in this mosque, among tausiyah, commentator of the Qur'an recitation, tabligh akbar, and the celebration of the anniversary religious holidays. Additionally, for visitors who want to linger here, not to worry, because in the mosque complex have food stalls, souvenir shops, and souvenir shops.



Sources: www.wisatamelayu.com