Masjid Istiqlal and Gereja Katolik: Two important religious building side by side

[kingwilly]

Decided to visit the largest mosque in SE Asia today, located somewhat centrally in Jakarta, slightly northeast of Merdeka Square. Entry was free, though there was a small parking fee and donations are appreciated. Building started in 1960’s, it was completed in 1978. Apparently it can accommodate up to 80,000 worshippers or so.





Situated on about 10 hectares, it has gardens, an islam school, fountain and parking for a 1000 vehicles. Being a Friday, it was somewhat full for prayers, and the worshippers were spilling over onto the stairways and walkways....

[kingwilly]

It was lovely and cool, several courtyards for additional worshipers in busy times.



Five stories or levels.




The domed roof is 45 metres in diameter symbolizing independence in 1945.









Most Indonesian mosques have a large drum to start the call to the faithful. This one is about 3 metres wide, from a tree from Kalimantan (or Borneo). Male cow skin on the front, female on the back.

[kingwilly]

Immediately across the road is Gereja Kotolik, or Indonesia's national catholic cathedral. It was built in 1901 with a strange neo gothic style. Within the grounds was a grotto for the Virgin Mary and a musuem also.

Having a rather more European style of achietecture, it was more suited for slightly cooler climate than Indonesia, though dozens of strategically placed fans inside helped alleviate the heat.

[BobR]

Beautiful pictures, thanks for posting them. I've been wanting to visit Jakarta.

[mr Fred]

We may be off to Jakarta around Hari Raya.

[panama hat]

Nice photos, SW . . . massive, simply massive . They have huge mosques here as well, but with Jakarta having a population probably half of KL one can see why the differences are there.

[Norgy]

Nice pics

The mosque is a lot more modern than the Islamic architecture I'm used to

[kingwilly]

Nice photos, SW . . . massive, simply massive .

Absolutely, the guide told me 77,000 people, wikipedia tells me 100,000 people. Either way I'm dubious, but then again, what would I know ? I just cannot fathom that many people in one building, at one time (Well, apart from the 'G during the last Saturday in September).

The missus told me that she had never been there either, but would like to visit again, during Ramadan, since she is muslim.

The mosque is a lot more modern than the Islamic architecture I'm used to

Actually, it is apparently quite controversial also, since it is not really Javanese or Indonesian architecture/style.