Istiklal Mosque

The Istiklal National Mosque is considered the largest in all of Southeast Asia and is located in the Indonesian city of Jakarta on the island of Java.

The mosque was built after Indonesia gained independence, and is a sign of gratitude to the people for the mercy of Allah. Hence the name Istiklal, which means “independence”. For the first time since independence in 1949, then-Minister of Religion Vahid Hasiyim thought about building a mosque for the new republic.

However, construction did not begin until 1962, after much controversy over the design approval and location. The architect was Frederick Silaban. The interior of the mosque is made with a minimum number of decorations and is a large bright hall.

In addition to religious services, lectures, hearings, exhibitions, seminars and other cultural and social events are held in the halls of the mosque.