President Jokowi Leads Groundbreaking of State Mosque in Nusantara

President Jokowi at the groundbreaking ceremony of the State Mosque in Indonesia’s new capital of Nusantara (IKN) in North Penajam Paser regency, East Kalimantan province, Wednesday (01/17). (Photo by: BPMI)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Wednesday (01/17) led the groundbreaking ceremony of the State Mosque in Indonesia’s new capital of Nusantara (IKN) in North Penajam Paser regency, East Kalimantan province.

“I hope the State Mosque will represent Indonesia’s diversity and a way to improve faith and devotion to Allah, as well as a comfortable place for Muslims to carry out various religious and social activities, and become a symbol to strengthen religious tolerance and moderation in new capital of Nusantara,” President Jokowi said.

The President also stated that several places of worship are slated to be constructed in the area, including a cathedral, a monastery, a temple, and a shrine.

“Such projects will show how diverse we are, and we must continue to maintain harmony to shape unity in the country,” he added.

According to President Jokowi, the State Mosque—which was constructed by a total budget of Rp940 billion and capacity of 61 thousand people—is slated to be completed at the end of this year.

“Around the mosque, as you see on the screen, will be surrounded by water since we will also create an artificial reservoir here. So, I imagine the scene of the mosque will be stunning from the outside and the interior will also be dazzling from the inside,” the Head of State said.

The President also expressed hopes that the mosque can become a benchmark for the mosque development across the globe.

“I hope the State Mosque’s design can showcase the uniqueness of Indonesia and the new capital of Nusantara,” he remarked. (TGH/UN) (GWH/EP)