National Mosque at IKN to Feature Grand Imam Leadership Like Istiqlal
- Dok. Istimewa
Jakarta, VIVA – Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, has confirmed that the National Mosque in the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) will be ready for use for the Eid al-Fitr prayers in March 2025.
“We hope for this. It will be one of our prideful mosques,” said Minister Nasaruddin at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Monday (Dec 9).
The minister also mentioned that a grand imam would lead worship at the National Mosque in IKN. He expressed hope that the mosque would hold similar historical significance to the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta.
Kementerian Agama menyelenggarakan Retreat Penyuluh Agama Pejuang Moderasi Berag
- VIVA/Muhammad AR
“There will be a grand imam. It will be like Istiqlal, which symbolizes Indonesia's greatness,” he remarked.
The National Mosque in IKN is designed to accommodate up to 5,580 worshippers initially, according to an official from the Presidential Communication Office (PCO).
“The construction of the National Mosque in IKN reflects the advancement of infrastructure in Nusantara’s capital and emphasizes the spirit of diversity, respect, and interfaith tolerance,” said PCO spokesperson Hariqo Wibawa Satria in a statement issued in Jakarta on Saturday.
The mosque is eventually planned to host up to 60,000 worshippers. In this first phase, it is being constructed to accommodate 29,000 worshippers.
Satria explained that the first phase involves constructing the mosque’s main building, which consists of four floors, two mezzanine levels, and a two-story courtyard serving as a multipurpose area and parking space.
The mosque occupies a land area of 32,125 square meters, with the total building area, including the plaza, spanning 60,173 square meters.
The mosque will also include a minaret with a 427-square-meter footprint, a two-story commercial building covering 2,212 square meters, and a supporting structure of 727 square meters.
Adequate parking facilities are provided for visitors’ convenience, with designated spaces including four VVIP lots, one accessible lot, five bus lots, and 64 parking spots in the lower-ground courtyard area.
The mosque’s architecture incorporates three main elements: the main dome, an open plaza, and the minaret. The modern design is combined with high functionality to meet the needs of worshippers and visitors alike.
“The dome’s shape is inspired by the symbolism of a turban and the galaxy, representing the boundlessness of the universe,” said Satria.
The open plaza emphasizes the direction of the Qibla, while the mosque’s minaret, standing 99 meters tall, symbolizes the 99 names of Allah (Asmaul Husna).
Its upward spiral design signifies prayers ascending to heaven and reflects divine values.
Satria expressed hopes that the project would become a religious and cultural icon in IKN, as well as a symbol of Indonesia's new era of civilization.
