Indonesia, as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, has many magnificent mosques that not only function as a place of worship, but also become a stunning architectural icon. These mosques are often religious tourism destinations, especially in the month of Ramadan and before Eid al-Fitr. Here are the seven most beautiful mosques in Indonesia that you must visit to increase spiritual experience while admiring the beauty of its architecture.
1. The Grand Mosque of Sheikh Ahmad Khatib Al-Minangkabawi, West Sumatra
Located in the city of Padang, this mosque is known for its design inspired by the Minangkabau traditional house, Rumah Gadang. With an area of around 40,000 square meters, this mosque can accommodate up to 20,000 worshipers. The curved roof is a characteristic that reflects the cultural richness of Minangkabau.
2. Dian Al-Mahri Golden Dome Mosque, Depok, West Java
This mosque is famous for its gold -plated dome, making it one of the grandest mosques in Indonesia. Standing on an area of 8,000 square meters, this mosque is able to accommodate around 20,000 worshipers. The architectural design that adopts the Middle Eastern style with beautiful calligraphy engraving makes it a favorite destination for religious tourists.
3. Al-Azhar Mosque, South Jakarta
Built between 1953-1958, the Al-Azhar Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Jakarta. Located in Kebayoran Baru, this mosque was the largest in Jakarta before the Istiqlal Mosque was built. Until now, the Al-Azhar Mosque remains the center of prestigious religious activities and Islamic education in the Capital City.
4. Istiqlal Mosque, Central Jakarta
As the largest mosque in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, the Istiqlal Mosque has a building area of 24,200 square meters and can accommodate more than 200,000 worshipers. Designed by Architect Frederich Silaban, this mosque has a modern architectural style with a giant dome of 45 meters in diameter. The beauty of the marble lining the building makes it the main religious landmark in Jakarta.
5. Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh
This mosque is a symbol of the resilience of the Acehnese people, especially after remaining firmly when the 2004 tsunami struck. With Moghul style architecture and the Ottoman Sultanate, this mosque has an iconic black dome and sturdy pillars. Standing on 31,000 square meters of land, the mosque is able to accommodate around 13,000 worshipers.
6. Great Mosque of Central Java, Semarang
This mosque combines Javanese, Greek and Islam architecture. Built on an area of 10 hectares, the mosque was inaugurated in 2006. With 25 Greek -style pillars and six hydraulic umbrellas such as in the Nabawi Mosque, Madinah, this mosque was able to accommodate around 25,000 worshipers.
7. Al-Irsyad Mosque, West Bandung
This mosque has a very unique and minimalist architectural design, in the form of a cube like the Kaaba in Mecca. Located in Kota Baru Parahyangan, West Bandung, this mosque has an area of 1 hectare and can accommodate 1,500 worshipers. Its modern design, without dome and tower, creates a calm and solemn atmosphere of worship.
Religious tourism in the month of Ramadan and Eid al -Fitr
These seven mosques are not only places of worship, but also stunning religious tourism destinations. The beauty of architecture and its unique history makes these mosques a proof of the richness of Islamic culture in Indonesia. In the month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, visiting these mosques can be a memorable spiritual experience.