Gov’t to Complete Renovation of Iconic Istiqlal Mosque by the End of June 2020
Istiqlal Mosque renovation. (Photo by: Minister of Public Works and Public Housing)
Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) has announced that the renovation of the Istiqlal Mosque – the largest mosque in Indonesia and in South East Asia – has reached 89% progress and is targeted for completion by the end of June 2020.
Previously, the renovation of the mosque which began in May 2019 was targeted to be completed before the fasting month of Ramadan 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the implementation of the Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB), the completion had been delayed by 1.5 months.
“The renovation of the Istiqlal Mosque was carried out in accordance with COVID-19 prevention protocols, such as maintaining physical distance, wearing masks, and avoiding crowds as well as Instruction of Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Number 02/IN/M/2020 on Prevention Protocol to Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Spread in the Implementation of Construction Services, so that our construction workers are not exposed to COVID-19. The Istiqlal Mosque will only be used for activity after the COVID-19 Pandemic ends,” PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said.
The scope of the renovation work of the Istiqlal Mosque includes regional planning, structural work, architectural work, mechanical electrical plumbing (MEP), interior work, and signage with a budget of Rp475 billion.
The Minister instructed that domestic products or products with Indonesian factory-based, from air conditioners, furniture to chandeliers should be used in the renovation.
The mosque has a total area of 91,629 square meters (excluding the river area) while the mosque of 80,948 square meters can accommodate 200,000 people. The involving work includes national monument axis restoration and zoning arrangement, gates repairment, addition of plazas as public spaces, riverfront renovation, 2-layers of parking lot (basement), canteen renovation, addition of street vendors area. Parking spaces on the surface will be used as green parks and public areas, while amphitheater is provided on the riverside to carry out various supporting activities.
Architectural works include works on facades, floors, walls, frames, windows, doors, ablution rooms, toilets, and bathrooms while interior works include works on the interiors of the main prayer hall, the VIP area, and the offices of the mosque management. MEP works include improvement of the overall MEP system of buildings, installation of solar panels on the lobby roof, and improvement of interior and exterior lighting. Signage works include changing gate signage, outdoor signage, and interior signage.
In carrying out the renovation, the Minister instructed the implementing contractor to not only maximize the function of the mosque as a place of worship but also to pay attention to architecture, art, aesthetics, to maintain the principles of the mosque’s cultural preservation.
The renovation of the Istiqlal Mosque is the first and biggest renovation since it was built 41 years ago which is a follow-up to President Joko Widodo’s directive after receiving the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Istiqlal Mosque on 30 May 2018. This renovation was carried out by PT Waskita Karya as the implementing contractor and PT Virama Karya as a construction management consultant. (BKP Kementerian PUPR/EN)
Translated by: Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Reviewed by: Lulu Wuliarti
