President Jokowi Hopes Istiqlal Mosque Can be Used for Empowerment of People

The Istiqlal Mosque (Photo by: Documentation of Cabinet Secretariat)

On the inauguration of renovated Istiqlal Mosque, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said that the mosque should serve as a means to empower people.

“I hope the Istiqlal Mosque will not only be 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,” the President said at the inauguration of Istiqlal Mosque renovation, Jakarta, Thursday (7/1).

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 build tolerance and  peace.

On that occasion, the President urged the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque and the management body to keep the mosque beautiful, clean, as well as comfortable for Muslims to participate in various religious activities.

“And last but not least, do develop creative programs and activities so that the Istiqlal Mosque will be visited by more people and be more prosperous,” he said.

The President also urged the visitors to remain disciplined in implementing health protocols during the pandemic.

“Since the COVID-19 transmission still occurs, I invite Muslims who perform their religious activities in the Istiqlal Mosque to strictly adhere to health protocols,” he added. (FID/UN) (RIF/MMB)