New Islamic Center in Kramat Tunggak

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Thousands of Muslims pray to Allah at a new mosque that was formerly the site of a notorious red-light district. A radical transformation took place on a 10.9-hectare plot of land in Kramat Tunggak, North Jakarta where Jakarta's notorious red-light district was torn down to make room for the Al-Marqaaz Al-Islami (literally Islamic Center), whose soft opening ceremony was launched by Governor Sutiyoso on Friday.

Kramat Tunggak, established to be a regulated area for prostitutes, had been known for more than 30 years as the biggest brothel area in the city before the administration decided to closed it down in December 1999.

The soft opening of the Islamic Center was also marked by a mass prayer at the partly-finished mosque on the complex led by noted preacher Ali Yafie.

The three-floored mosque is designed to accommodate some 20,000 Muslims.

The 66-by-66-meter main prayer area can hold some 7,000 people without a single pillar obstructing views as the roof utilizes a "spaceframe" structure.

The mosque is the first building constructed in the area which will also be equipped with a museum, educational buildings, a library and other facilities.

More than Rp 110 billion (US$12.5 million) will be spent on the project which started last October. Funding came from the city budget. Future construction may rely on public participation as well as foreign donations from several Islam countries.

Also present on Friday were popular preacher Zainuddin M.Z. and dangdut singer Rhoma Irama. Several foreign dignitaries also attended, including Palestine Ambassador Ribhi Awad and Ahmed Salem Alwahishi, the Yemeni ambassador to Indonesia.