Inauguration of the Istiqlal Mosque Renovation, 7 January 2021 at Istiqlal Mosque, DKI Jakarta Province

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,
Alhamdulillahirrabbilalamin, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala ashrifil anbiya i wal-mursalin, Sayidina wa habibina wa syafi’ina wa maulana Muhammadin, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma’in amma ba’du.

Distinguished Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Distinguished Minister for Public Works and Public Housing, Distinguished Minister for Religious Affairs;

Distinguished Governor of Jakarta;

Distinguished Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque and Management of the Mosque;

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today the Istiqlal Mosque, our pride, has been completely renovated. The Istiqlal Mosque renovation is the first renovation since 42 years ago, as previously conveyed by the Grand Imam, and cost Rp 511 billion of the State Budget.

I have seen that the Istiqlal Mosque had completely changed and looked like new again. The landscape is rearranged to be beautiful and it looks even more neat. I have seen the floor three times, it is shinier. The lighting has also changed and it is very modern and beautiful. And the river that divides Istiqlal is also getting cleaner and tidier.

I also want to express my deep gratitude because the renovation process does not only maximize the function of the mosque as a place of worship, but also pay attention to architectural aspects, artistic aspects, aesthetic aspects, and, not less important, maintain the cultural heritage of mosque buildings. This is very important.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The renovation of the Istiqlal Mosque is not for prestige. It is not only to be the pride of Muslims but also to be the pride of all Indonesian people, the pride of our nation Indonesia.

And we must remember that this mosque was built as an expression of gratitude for the Grace of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala for the independence of Indonesia. The spirit was clearly reflected in 1953, when Muslim leaders gathered to discuss the idea of ​​establishing a mosque as a symbol of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia, and it was also agreed that the name ‘Istiqlal’ was the name of the mosque which in Arabic means independence.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I hope the Istiqlal Mosque is not only physically magnificent, but also be a medium for increasing our faith and piety to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, a place for the empowerment of the people, and as a pioneer of preaching about moderation of the world’s Muslims.

As a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, the Istiqlal Mosque must be an example for the mosques of other countries in the world in developing peaceful Islamic symbols, which build tolerance and peace.

I also order the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque and also the Management to maintain the Istiqlal Mosque well so that it remains beautiful and clean, and becomes a comfortable place for Muslims to carry out various religious activities. And last but not least, do develop creative programs and activities so that the Istiqlal Mosque is full with activities, more prosperous, and is visited by as many people as possible.

Finally, considering that the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic is still happening, I invite Muslims who use the Istiqlal Mosque for worship and other activities to follow and strictly enforce health protocols.

That concludes my remarks on this auspicious occasion. By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I inaugurate the renovation of the Istiqlal Mosque today.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (RI/MMB)