Cut Meutia Mosque to be renovated

JAKARTA (JP): The municipality is planning to renovate Cut Meutia Mosque in Central Jakarta thanks to the sponsorship of a noted businessman, Deputy Governor for Welfare Affairs Djaelani said.

Probosutedjo has offered to help renovate the mosque, Djaelani said Wednesday, adding that the municipality will hold a meeting for participating parties so a decision can be made on the proposition.

Indra Harsono, the chairman of Cut Meutia Foundation, which is in charge of Cut Meutia Mosque, said the businessman proposed the renovation idea after noticing the mosque's poor state.

"Pak Probo said that he was moved by the mosque's shabby condition," Indra said.

"Since the mosque is located within the elite Menteng area, I think it's time to renovate it."

But the foundation has to wait for the municipality's approval because the mosque has been listed as an historical building and must be preserved, he said.

City Councilors agreed with the offer as long as it deals only with the renovation of the building and not with its demolition and the construction of a new building.

Cut Meutia Mosque was built in 1837 on a 4,000-square-meter plot of land during the Dutch colonial era and its architecture reflects the period. (07)