Inauguration of Sheikh Zayed Mosque by Presidents Jokowi and UAE
- VIVA/Fajar Sodiq
VIVA – President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, and President of United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan inaugurates the Sheikh Al Zayed Grand Mosque in Surakarta, Central Java, on November 14, 2022.
President Jokowi and President Mohammed Bin Zayed arrived at the Sheikh Al Zayed Mosque by riding the same vehicle. Then, both leaders are talking during the inspection of the mosque, as seen from the YouTube streaming of the Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta.
After entering the mosque area, Mohammed Bin Zayed was seen talking with several figures present, such as the Governor of Central Java; Ganjar Pranowo, and Activist; Nahdlatul Ulama Zannuba Ariffah Chafsoh Rahman Wahid (Yenny Wahid).
Furthermore, President Jokowi and Mohammed Bin Zayed performed prayers (Shalat). Then, they signed an inscription marking the inauguration of the mosque and continued with a prayer.
Moreover, both Presidents also planted trees in the mosque yard and then took some group photos.
President Joko Widodo also greeted the local people who gathered in front of the mosque before entering the car to leave the mosque.
Also attending the inauguration were Surakarta Mayor; Gibran Rakabuming, Minister of Defense; Prabowo Subiantro, Minister of State Secretary; Pratikno, Minister of Religious Affairs; Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, and UAE delegation.
The Surakarta Mayor, Gibran Rakabuming Raka said the mosque with a capacity of 10,000 worshipers will be the center of teaching Islam rahmatan Lil 'aalamin in Surakarta City.
"The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque will be a symbol of friendship between the two largest Muslim countries in the world," Gibran Rakabuming remarked.