Indonesia's Largest Mosques: Some Accommodate Up to 200,000 Worshippers

Indonesia has a remarkably large number of mosques. This is understandable, as Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world.

Several mosques in Indonesia boast expansive and magnificent structures, capable of accommodating hundreds of thousands of worshippers.

As reported by the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Mosque Information System, here are five of the largest mosques in Indonesia in terms of capacity:

1. Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta

Istiqlal Mosque is the state mosque of the Republic of Indonesia, located in the heart of the capital city, Jakarta. It is not only the largest mosque in Indonesia but also the largest in Southeast Asia.

With a building area of 24,200 square meters on a 98,247 square meter plot of land, this mosque, initiated by President Soekarno on August 24, 1951, can accommodate up to 200,000 worshippers.

The main building is crowned with a large dome, 45 meters in diameter, supported by 12 large pillars. A single minaret, 96.66 meters tall, rises from the south corner of the mosque's courtyard.

Besides being used for Islamic worship, the mosque also serves as the office for various Islamic organizations in Indonesia, hosts social activities, and general events. It is also a popular religious tourism destination in Jakarta.

2. Al-Akbar Mosque, Surabaya

The Al-Akbar National Mosque in Surabaya was built starting August 4, 1995, based on an idea by the then Mayor of Surabaya, H. Soenarto Soemoprawiro. The construction was marked by the laying of the foundation stone by Indonesian Vice President Try Sutrisno.

Unfortunately, due to the monetary crisis, construction was temporarily halted. In 1999, construction resumed and was completed in 2001. On November 10, 2000, the mosque was inaugurated by Indonesian President KH. Abdurrahman Wahid.

The land for the Al-Akbar National Mosque Surabaya (MAS) was provided by the Surabaya City Government, from public facility land plus rice paddy land acquired from residents, totaling approximately 11.2 hectares. The mosque can accommodate up to 59,000 worshippers.

The mosque is a distinctive landmark, serving as a gateway to Surabaya from Juanda International Airport. Its unique feature is its dome, which resembles a half-egg with 1.5 layers and a height of approximately 27 meters.

3. Dian Al Mahri Golden Dome Mosque, Depok, West Java

Dian Al Mahri Mosque, also known as the Golden Dome Mosque, is located on Raya Meruyung Road, Limo, Depok, in Limo District, Depok. In addition to serving as a place of worship for Muslims, the mosque complex is also a family tourism area and attracts many people due to its gold-plated domes.

Dian Al Mahri Mosque was built by Hj. Dian Djuriah Maimun Al Rasyid, a businesswoman from Banten, who purchased the land in 1996. Construction began in 2001 and was completed around the end of 2006.

With a 50-hectare area, the mosque building occupies an area of 60 x 120 meters, or approximately 8,000 square meters. It can accommodate approximately 20,000 worshippers. The mosque complex is often referred to as the grandest mosque complex in Southeast Asia.

4. Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Aceh

Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, located in Banda Aceh City, has its own historical significance. The name Baiturrahman Grand Mosque comes from the name of the Grand Mosque built by Sultan Iskandar Muda in 1022 H/1612 M.

Historically, Baiturrahman Grand Mosque holds great value for the people of Aceh because it has stood majestically in the heart of Banda Aceh City since the time of Sultan Iskandar Muda.

The Grand Mosque serves various functions besides prayer, including religious lectures, religious events such as the Prophet Muhammad's birthday celebration, the commemoration of 1 Muharram, Quran recitation competitions, shelter for city residents and visitors, and as an Islamic tourist attraction.

With a building area of 4,000 square meters, the mosque can accommodate up to 13,000 worshippers. During the earthquake and tsunami (December 26, 2004) that devastated parts of Aceh, this mosque survived without significant damage, and many city residents found safety within its walls.

5. Islamic Center Mosque, Samarinda

Another of Indonesia's largest mosques is the Islamic Center Mosque, Samarinda, or MICS for short. Construction began on July 5, 2001, marked by the pressing of the button to drive the first pile by the 5th President of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarno Putri.

After approximately 7 years of construction, the mosque was finally inaugurated by the 6th President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, on June 16, 2008.

The main building of the mosque has an area of approximately 43,500 square meters, while its supporting buildings cover 7,115 square meters. The mosque's capacity is 10,000 people.

The Islamic Center Mosque Samarinda also features 7 minarets, one of which is the main minaret, reaching a height of 99 meters. This main minaret consists of 15 floors, each with an average height of 6 meters.

Meanwhile, the four other minarets, located at each corner of the mosque, are each 70 meters high. The two remaining minarets, located on either side of the mosque's entrance gate, are each 57 meters high.