As the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, the Istiqlal Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a national symbol that combines history, architecture, and diversity.
Located in the heart of Jakarta, the capital city, the mosque has a rich history of Indonesia's independence struggle, as well as meaningful architectural elements.
The History of Istiqlal Mosque: From the Idea of Independence to Realization
The history of the Istiqlal Mosque is inextricably linked to the spirit of independence. The name "Istiqlal" itself originates from Arabic, meaning "independence."
The idea to build this mosque came about shortly after Indonesia's independence, as a form of gratitude and a symbol of nationality for Muslims in Indonesia.
Indonesia's first proclaimer and President, Ir. Soekarno was the key figure behind the project. The groundbreaking took place on August 24, 1961, but construction was only completed in 1978.
The construction of this mosque became a national project that brought together various elements of the nation, including religious diversity, because even a Protestant Christian pastor at the time, Friedrich Silaban, was trusted as the architect.
The architect of Istiqlal Mosque: Friedrich Silaban's Masterpiece
One of the most interesting facts is that the architect of the Istiqlal mosque was not a Muslim, but a Toba Batak Christian architect, Friedrich Silaban.
He won the design competition for the Istiqlal mosque held in 1955, beating dozens of other participants.
Silaban brought the concept of minimalist modern architecture with a monumental touch. The design of this mosque has a deep philosophy:
- The 12 main pillars symbolize the birth of the Prophet Muhammad on 12 Rabiul Awal.
- The main dome is 45 meters in diameter, symbolizing the year of Indonesian independence (1945).
- The 96-meter-high single minaret symbolizes the 99 Asmaul Husna, with a towering shape as a reminder of God's majesty.
- The combination of symbolic meaning and magnificent structure makes the Istiqlal Mosque an inspiring work of architecture to this day.
The Uniqueness of Istiqlal Mosque that Needs to Be Known
Located on Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma, Pasar Baru, Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta, this mosque has some uniqueness that no other mosque in Jakarta has.
The mosque spans an area of 9.5 hectares and has a capacity for more than 200,000 worshipers. The mosque also has a giant drum that is more than a century old, which was brought from Garut, West Java.
There is also a sophisticated acoustic system, featuring digital speakers, inside the main hall, which utilizes sound reflections from the metal walls.
What is also quite interesting is that it is located next to the Jakarta Cathedral Church, as a symbol of tolerance between religious communities.
Istiqlal Mosque as a Religious and Educational Tourism Destination
Istiqlal Mosque is now one of the leading religious tourism destinations in Jakarta. Not only Muslims, but also visitors from various religions and countries come to see firsthand the splendor of its architecture and feel the calm spiritual atmosphere.
The management of the Istiqlal Mosque offers educational tours guided by official guides, complete with explanations of the history, design philosophy, and national values embodied in this building.
Additionally, there are exhibitions and libraries that house archives of the mosque's construction history, as well as collections of Islamic literature.
For students and researchers, a visit to the Istiqlal Mosque offers an in-depth insight into how a place of worship can serve as a center of education, interfaith dialogue, and national architectural pride.
This combination of spiritual and educational value makes the Istiqlal Mosque unique among other mosques in Indonesia.
Istiqlal Mosque is not only a place of Muslim worship, but also a cultural masterpiece, a symbol of history, and a tangible manifestation of Indonesian tolerance. With its meaningful architectural design and proud history, Istiqlal will always be an essential part of the nation's journey.
