 |
| img: tripadvisor.com |
The Istiqlal Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in Southeast Asia, is not only a symbol of pride for Muslims in Indonesia but also a witness to the history of the nation's independence. Located in the heart of Jakarta, this mosque, built with magnificent architecture, has deep meaning for every congregation who visits it. With a capacity of more than 120,000 worshipers, the Istiqlal Mosque is a very iconic place of worship, not only for Jakarta residents but also for domestic and international tourists.
The Istiqlal Mosque was built in 1978 and completed in 1987, designed by Indonesian architect, Friedrich Silaban. The word "Istiqlal" itself means "independence", which is a symbol of Indonesia's independence after fighting against colonialism. Its location next to the Jakarta Cathedral Church also illustrates Indonesia's spirit of tolerance and diversity, where Muslims and Christians can live side by side in harmony.
This mosque was built with a modern design that combines traditional Indonesian and Middle Eastern elements. With its characteristic large dome, 96-meter-high minaret, and spacious main hall, the Istiqlal Mosque offers peace and tranquility for anyone who visits it.
Apart from being a place of worship, the Istiqlal Mosque is also often used for state events, international conferences, and other socio-religious activities. Many visitors, both those who want to pray and those who just want to see the beauty of the architecture, come here every day.
The Istiqlal Mosque is located in the center of Jakarta, more precisely on Jl. Wijaya Kusuma Park, Central Jakarta. The location is very strategic, so it is easily accessible from various parts of the city. One of the easiest ways to get to the Istiqlal Mosque is by using the TransJakarta Bus. al corridors pass. For those of you who are more comfortable with private transportation, using a taxi or online motorbike taxi (such as Gojek or Grab) is a very practical choice. This ride-hailing application provides easy direct access to the doors of the Istiqlal Mosque at an affordable price. From Soekarno-Hatta Airport, the journey to the mosque takes around 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic, with a fare of around IDR 150k–250k. If you are in the city center, the distance to the Istiqlal Mosque is relatively close. From the Sudirman or Thamrin area, a taxi or online motorbike taxi will take you in less than 30 minutes for around IDR 30k to IDR 50k.
Because of its very strategic location, the Istiqlal Mosque is only a few minutes walk from the National Monument (Monas). So, for those of you who are already in the Monas area, just walk via Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat heading north, and in about 10 minutes you will arrive at the door of the Istiqlal Mosque. For those who bring private vehicles, the Istiqlal Mosque provides a fairly large parking area. This parking location is very strategic, although you need to be a little patient during peak hours, because this area is often crowded with visitors, especially during times of worship such as Friday prayers or Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha prayers.
The Istiqlal Mosque is a place of worship that is very busy with Muslims, especially during the five daily prayers and during major religious events. However, if you want to enjoy the beauty of the mosque more calmly and comfortably, the best time to visit is in the morning or evening, before or after prayer time. At certain times, such as the month of Ramadan, this mosque is also packed with worshipers who come to perform tarawih prayers, break the fast together, and other religious activities. So, if you come for religious tourism purposes, come at a time that is not too busy so you can feel peaceful and solemn in worship.
Visiting the Istiqlal Mosque is not just about seeing the magnificent building, but also about feeling inner peace. While there, you will feel a sense of peace that is hard to find anywhere else, while the beautiful architecture deepens the spiritual experience. Not only that, the Istiqlal Mosque also offers various social activities that visitors can take part in, such as da'wah activities, religious education, and providing assistance to underprivileged communities.
The Istiqlal Mosque is more than just a place of worship. With its long history, magnificent architecture, and deep symbolic meaning, this mosque is a symbol of pride for all Muslims in Indonesia, as well as a symbol of diversity and tolerance between religious communities in the country. With easy access and various ways to get there, the Istiqlal Mosque is a must-visit destination for those who want to experience spiritual peace and learn more about the history of Islam in Indonesia.