Worshippers Flock to Istiqlal Mosque for First Ramadan Tarawih Prayers

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Worshippers from various cities flocked to Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta on Wednesday to perform the first tarawih prayers of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah.

A woman named Lestari (48), from Depok, West Java, said she was pleased with the mosque’s continually upgraded facilities, ranging from comfortable toilets to bathrooms provided for travellers, and even overnight accommodation at the mosque for i’tikaf (a period of spiritual retreat in the mosque) ahead of Eid al-Fitr.

Lestari, who was met at Istiqlal Mosque on Wednesday, had come with her three daughters using the commuter rail (KRL) and felt the mosque’s accessibility had greatly improved.

“I got off at Juanda station — it’s easy, just a short walk. I wanted to teach my children to be diligent in worship during Ramadan. I also wanted to experience the first tarawih at Istiqlal,” she said.

She expressed delight that Istiqlal Mosque also provides free iftar meals during Ramadan.

“I’d like to try the free iftar here on other days too — it’s quite a bonus,” she said.

However, she felt there was a need for dedicated facilities for the elderly and people with disabilities between the ablution area and the congregational prayer hall.

“It’s just that the walk from the ablution area to the prayer hall is quite far. I did see a lift earlier, but perhaps wheelchairs or dedicated staff could be provided — it’s a pity for elderly women who have to walk such a distance,” she said.

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar said Istiqlal Mosque was ready to serve as a home for all religious communities, not just Muslims, during Ramadan 1447 Hijriah.

“Because of its management model, Istiqlal was invited to the United Nations in New York and has been entrusted as a model for mosque development in Latin America and Africa,” he said.

Nasaruddin explained that one of Istiqlal’s international icons is the Silaturahim Tunnel, an underground passageway connecting Istiqlal Mosque to Jakarta Cathedral, which is frequently visited by state guests, from former United States President Barack Obama to other heads of state.

“Inside the tunnel, one can hear the blending of the call to prayer and church bells, symbolising interfaith harmony,” he said.