The Istiqlal Mosque (literally: Merdeka Mosque) is the national mosque of the Republic of Indonesia located in the former Wilhelmina Park, in the East of Medan Merdeka Square in the middle of the National Monument (Monas), in the center of Jakarta's capital. Across the East of this mosque stands Jakarta Cathedral Church. The high priest is Prof. Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A. and Chairman of the Istiqlal Mosque Management Executive Board is now K.H. Muhammad Muzammil Basyuni.
The construction of this mosque was initiated by the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the time, Ir. Soekarno. Laying of the first stone as a sign of commencement of Istiqlal Mosque construction conducted by Ir. Soekarno on August 24, 1951. The Istiqlal Mosque architect was Frederich Silaban, a Protestant Christian.
The mosque has a modern architectural style with marble walls and floors, decorated with geometric ornaments of stainless steel. The main building of this mosque consists of five floors and one ground floor. The main building was crowned by a large dome of 45 meters in diameter supported by 12 large pillars. The single tower as high as 96.66 meters loomed in the south corner of the mosque's breezeway. The mosque is able to accommodate more than 200,000 worshipers.
Besides being used as an Islamic worship activity, this mosque is also used as an office for various Islamic organizations in Indonesia, social activities, and general activities. This mosque also became one of the famous tourist attraction in Jakarta. Most tourists who visit are generally domestic tourists in addition to some foreign tourists who are Muslims. Non-Muslim communities can also visit this mosque after having briefed information about Islam and the Istiqlal Mosque, although the part that can be visited by non-Muslims is limited and should be accompanied by a guide.
On every major Islamic day such as Ramadan, Idul Fitri, Idul Adha, New Year Hijriyah, Mawlid of Prophet Muhammad and Isra and Mi'raj, the President of the Republic of Indonesia always holds religious activities in this mosque which is broadcast live on national television (TVRI) private television.
History
Istiqlal Mosque construction project.
After the war of independence of Indonesia, began to develop a great idea to establish a national mosque. The idea of building a mosque erupted after four years of proclamation of independence. The idea of building a state mosque is in line with the traditions of the Indonesian nation that since the time of the ancient kingdom ever built a monumental religious building that symbolizes the glory of the country. For example, in the era of the Hindu-Buddhist kingdom of Indonesia has succeeded in building the temple of Borobudur and Prambanan. That's why in the period of independence of Indonesia published the idea of building a grand mosque is majestic and worthy of the title as the mosque of the largest Muslim country in the world.
Planning
In 1950, KH. Wahid Hasyim who was then Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and H. Anwar Tjokroaminoto from the Islamic Sharia Party met with a number of Islamic leaders in Deca Park, a meeting hall on Jalan Merdeka Utara, not far from Merdeka Palace. The meeting was led by KH. Taufiqurrahman, who discussed the plan to build a mosque. The meetinghouse adjacent to the Merdeka Palace, now lives history. Deca Park and several other buildings were evicted when the construction project of the National Monument (Monas) began. [13] [14]
The mosque is agreed to be named Istiqlal. Literally, the word Istiqlal comes from Arabic which means: freedom, freedom or freedom, which in term describes the gratitude to God over the blessings of grace in the form of national independence.
At the meeting in the Deca Park building, the consensus was agreed upon by H. Anwar Tjokroaminoto as chairman of the Istiqlal Mosque Foundation. He was also appointed unanimously as chairman of the Istiqlal Mosque construction committee even though he was late due to returning to his homeland after serving as an Indonesian delegation to Japan to discuss the issue of war reparations at the time.
In 1953, the Istiqlal Mosque Development Committee, reported the mosque's construction plan to the head of state. President Soekarno welcomed the plan, would even help fully the construction of the Istiqlal Mosque. Then the Istiqlal Mosque Foundation was passed before the notary of Elisa Pondag on 7 December 1954.
President Soekarno has been active in the construction of the Istiqlal Mosque since he was appointed as Chairman of the Jury Council in the Istiqlal Mosque Maket Competition which was announced through newspapers and other media on February 22, 1955. Through the announcement, architects of both individuals and institutions were invited to participate the contest.
There was a disagreement over the planned location of the Istiqlal Mosque. Ir. H. Mohammad Hatta (Vice President) argues that the most appropriate location for the construction of the Istiqlal Mosque is on Jl. Moh. Husni Thamrin which is now the location of Hotel Indonesia. Considering the location was in the Muslim community and at that time there was no building on it.
Meanwhile, Ir. Soekarno (President of the Republic of Indonesia) proposed the construction of the Istiqlal Mosque in Wilhelmina Park, where the ruins of the Dutch fortress and surrounded by government buildings and trade centers and close to the Merdeka Palace. This is in accordance with the symbol of the power of the palace on the island of Java and the regions in Indonesia that the mosque should always be adjacent to the palace or close to the square, [4] and Taman Medan Merdeka is considered the Jakarta Capital Square. In addition Soekarno also wants this Indonesian state mosque alongside the Jakarta Cathedral Church to symbolize the spirit of brotherhood, unity and religious tolerance according to Pancasila.
Opinions H. Moh. Hatta will be more efficient because it will not cost to evict buildings that are above and around the location. However, after the deliberation, finally set the location of the construction of Istiqlal Mosque in Wilhelmina Park. To make room for this mosque, the former Dutch fort of Prins Frederick Castle built in 1837 was dismantled.
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