Istiqlal Mosque Marks 48th Anniversary with Major Renovation Plans

Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar unveiled significant plans for renovation and development of Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque during its 48th anniversary celebration on 2 March, coinciding with the month of Ramadan.

The renovation projects include updating the mosque’s main dome, which is currently undergoing tender processes. The new dome will feature changeable visual ornaments that will be particularly striking at night, transforming the mosque into an illuminated symbol of national and Jakarta pride, not only during Ramadan but year-round.

“When viewed from a distance, there will be ornaments that can change. Istiqlal will light up, and not just during Ramadan, but continuously as a symbol of the pride of the Indonesian nation and Jakarta,” Nasaruddin stated.

The minister highlighted that at 48 years old, the mosque is at an ideal age for achievement and development. Additional planned improvements include beautification of the surrounding river with ornamental fish, construction of a multipurpose hall equipped with underground parking and two lifts to the main prayer area, and two new bridges on the southern and northern sides to enhance access for worshippers and morning exercisers.

The mosque serves as a unifying institution and cultural melting pot for the Indonesian nation. It provides free religious consultation on zakat and Islamic matters, family counselling services involving psychologists, and various language courses including English, French, Mandarin, Arabic, and Indonesian for foreign speakers. Vocational training programmes are also available for congregants.

The 48th anniversary celebration was attended by approximately 5,000 congregants, who were provided with boxed meals. Istiqlal Global Fund Director Ahsanul Haq noted the significance of the anniversary falling during Ramadan, making it a particularly special occasion for the mosque community.