Citizens' Enthusiasm for First Ramadan 2026 Tarawih Prayers at Istiqlal Mosque
The public enthusiastically welcomed the first day of Ramadan fasting in 2026, or 1447 Hijriah. Crowds descended upon Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta to perform the first tarawih prayers of the holy month.
Siti Umidah and her family deliberately travelled from Serpong, South Tangerang, to Istiqlal Mosque to perform the inaugural tarawih prayers. She said that praying tarawih at Istiqlal felt like worshipping in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
“Tarawih prayers are actually comfortable at any mosque. But at Istiqlal, it feels like being in Mecca,” said Siti when met at Istiqlal, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (18 February 2026).
Siti added that she and her family have made it a tradition to perform tarawih at Istiqlal Mosque on the first day. She believes praying there feels more spiritually complete as a way to mark the first day of Ramadan.
“We deliberately come here every year,” she said.
“There’s a sense of pride praying here because this mosque is always featured on television everywhere. People from far away want to come here. It’s different when it’s such a grand mosque — it feels special,” she added.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Roja’i (35), a resident of the Gadjah Mada area in West Jakarta, said he always comes to Istiqlal Mosque on the first day of tarawih. For him, it is like a ritual to welcome the beginning of Ramadan.
“That’s how it is. It’s like a ritual — we check in with the angels who record our deeds, starting at Istiqlal first because that’s better,” said Roja’i.
Roja’i also said he looks forward to Ramadan activities at Istiqlal Mosque. He frequently participates in events such as communal breaking of the fast and religious lectures.
“For the communal iftar, you look forward to it because there are preachers there, and there are tausiah [religious lectures]. There are also donations for orphans and guidance from mosque officials on how to be better,” he explained.
Lala (23), a resident of Kebayoran Lama, said it was her first time performing tarawih at Istiqlal Mosque. This made her excited to welcome Ramadan fasting.
“I’m so excited because this is my first time. At Istiqlal, the atmosphere is different,” said Lala.
She said she had only managed to fulfil her wish this year to pray tarawih at Istiqlal Mosque. Previously, she had always been unable to attend due to various commitments.
“This is my first time doing tarawih at Istiqlal. I’ve always intended to come before, but was often held back by work. This time I happened to have free time, so I could finally do tarawih here,” said Lala.