The Istiqlal Mosque (translated as Independence Mosque), the largest in Southeast Asia with a capacity of 120,000 people (indoors) or 250,000 people (including outdoor spaces), was designed by Indonesian Christian architect Friedrich Silaban and opened in 1978.
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The architectural style of the mosque is a modern formalism that is quite a departure from the common form of mosques as we know them around the world.
The central landmark is the huge main building with its 45 metre diameter dome and spacious internal balconies on 4 floors, which accommodate a significant portion of the 120,000 capacity.
The mosque has a very spacious hall, at the far end of which is a slender 97 high minaret.
A visit to the interior
We definitely recommend visiting the monumental interior of the mosque as well, which will amaze you.
Visitors of all nationalities and religions can take a look inside, either on their own or with an organized tour. If you will be visiting the mosque on your own, you must take off your shoes before entering and leave them in the special cloakroom outside the entrance.
Guided tours are also available free of charge.
After entering the grounds through the main entrance (opposite the cathedral), head left into a small building with black glass doors. Here they will also lend you a cloak if you are wearing short pants or exposed shoulders.
The tour takes about 45 minutes and takes place from 8:00am to 4:00pm every 30 minutes. There is an hour break between 11:00 and 12:00, so there is no tour at 11:30.
How to get there
The mosque is located approximately 1.5 km from the Monas National Monument. Apart from taxis or Grab/Gojek apps, you can also get here by public transport.
- Juanda station about 250 meters from the entrance
- C line train
- Buses 2, 5C, 7F, 8, 8A, 10H, 14A, M2, M8, BW1 and BW2
- Istiqlal bus stop approx. 200 metres from the entrance
- Buses 1P, 2, 6H, M2
Hotels in the vicinity
There are several hotels near the mosque, of which we would like to choose two:
- Hotel Borobudur Jakarta ***** - A luxury hotel with gardens in a quiet location, yet in the heart of the city.
- Amaris Hotel Juanda ** - a cheap, well-rated hotel right next to the Juanda train station
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