Inaugurating Cirebon's Syarif Abdurachman Mosque With Vice President, Kasad: Combining Religion And Diversity

JAKARTA - Vice President (Vice President) of the Republic of Indonesia Ma'ruf Amin, accompanied by Army Chief of Staff (Kasad) General TNI Dudung Abdurachman, officially inaugurated the Abdurachman Syarif Mosque located at the Sunan Gunung Jati Cemetery Complex, Astana Village, Gunung Jati District, Cirebon, West Java, Friday, August 25.

In his remarks, the Vice President expressed his appreciation and happiness for the construction of the Syarif Abdurachman Mosque which was initiated by TNI General Dudung Abdurachman. He also emphasized that the construction of religious facilities in Indonesia is generally carried out in a good way and respects local culture, so that it can be accepted by various groups.

"Let us work together to develop and advance this mosque. I feel very happy that this mosque was built while still paying attention to local wisdom, in accordance with the culture in Cirebon," said the Vice President.

After giving a speech, the Vice President and Kasad jointly inaugurated the Abdurachman Syarif Mosque with the signing of the inauguration inscription.

On the other hand, Kasad in his speech revealed that the construction of this mosque was one of his long-awaited ideals.

Regarding the naming of the Abdurachman Syarif Mosque, this name is taken from the inspiration of two Islamic Ulama who have spread Islam in Indonesia, namely Syech Maulana Syarif Hidayatullah and Syech Abdurachman.

"I am very proud and happy for the realization of this dream. The names of the Syarif Abdurachman Mosque are taken from the names of two great scholars, namely Syech Maulana Syarif Hidayatullah and Syech Abdurachman," he said.

"So, these names embrace the two figures. I have descendants from both, namely Syech Maulana Syarif Hidayatullah and Syech Abdurachman. Meanwhile, Dudung Abdurachman's name refers to their grandson. Therefore, I decided to unite the two into the name Syarif Abdurachman," continued Kasad Dudung.

This mosque stands on an area of 2.8 hectares, with a mosque building covering an area of 1,200 square meters capable of holding 1,700 worshipers. This mosque architecture combines the characteristics of the Cirebon Sultanate, and the first stone laying process is carried out by Kasad on May 24, 2022.

Later, this mosque will be donated to the state through Korem 063/Sunan Gunung Jati, and will be managed by Korem 063/SGJ.

An interesting thing related to the construction of the Abdurachman Syarif Mosque is the architectural designer and leader of the mosque construction, namely Brigadier General TNI I Nengah Wiraatmaja, who is Hindu.