Thousands Flock to Indonesia's Second-Largest Mosque for First Ramadan Tarawih Prayers

Thousands of worshippers filled Al Akbar Mosque in Surabaya to perform the first tarawih prayers of Ramadan 1447 H. The public turned out enthusiastically to pray at Indonesia’s second-largest mosque after Istiqlal.

According to observations on Wednesday (18 February 2026), congregants began arriving at approximately 6.30 pm local time. Despite heavy rain drenching the Al Akbar Mosque area and several parts of Surabaya, the main prayer hall on the ground floor was packed with both male and female worshippers.

The rain did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of congregants on this first night of tarawih. Children, teenagers and the elderly were all present alongside their families.

The evening’s worship commenced with Isha prayers, followed by 20 rakaat of tarawih and 3 rakaat of witir.

One worshipper, Diah (36), a Surabaya resident, said she performs tarawih at Al Akbar Mosque almost every year. Beyond being a large mosque, it offers numerous Ramadan activities that can be undertaken communally.

“Thank God we can welcome the month of Ramadan once again. I’m delighted that there is Quran recitation and religious lectures here — it gives one greater motivation in worship,” Diah said.

Helmy M Noor, public relations officer for Al Akbar Mosque Surabaya, said various programmes had been prepared to welcome Ramadan 1447 H. The mosque has been readied with capacity to accommodate up to 30,000 worshippers.

“For tarawih, Al Akbar Mosque Surabaya has prepared capacity for up to 30,000 congregants,” he said.