Becoming A Favorite Place Of Worship During Ramadan, Istiqlal Mosque Proves SIG's Commitment In Building The Country

JAKARTA - The Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta is a favorite place for Muslims to worship in the month of Ramadan. In addition to comfort factors, the manager of the Istiqlal mosque routinely organizes various activities to glorify Ramadan, ranging from breaking the fast together, mutual sahur, religious tausiah, iktikaf, as well as religious activities and other social activities.

The Istiqlal Mosque, which is still standing firmly at the age of 47, is a masterpiece built using cement from PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (SIG) which has proven its quality and resilience in the construction sector, so that it becomes the building material chosen by the Indonesian people from generation to generation.

With a building area of 24,200 m2, the Istiqlal Mosque has so far stood strong and is able to accommodate 200,000 worshipers every time the Prayer service takes place, making it the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, and the fourth largest in the world.

The mosque, which was built in 1961 and inaugurated its use in 1978, also has a beautiful appearance with a modern architectural style but is full of Islamic values. The structure of the mosque, which was built with cement from SIG, also supports the comfort of the people when carrying out worship at the Istiqlal Mosque.

SIG's Corporate Secretary, Vita Mahreyni said, Istiqlal Mosque was one of the monumental buildings in the early days of independence which became a symbol of unity and harmony in Indonesia.

"SIG is proud to be able to contribute to the construction of the Istiqlal Mosque which is the pride of the nation, and is committed to continuing to take a role in the development program launched by the government through solutions to quality and environmentally friendly building products," said Vita Mahreyni, in her statement, Monday, March 17.

In addition to its magnificent and beautiful physical building, the Istiqlal Mosque is a symbol of Indonesia's independence from colonialism. Istiqlal which means independence reflects the gratitude of the Indonesian people, especially those who are Muslim, on the grace of Allah SWT which has blessed the blessing of independence. In addition, the Istiqlal Mosque is also referred to as a symbol of harmony and tolerance because its location is adjacent to the Cathedral Church in Central Jakarta. In fact, the architecture of the Istiqlal Mosque was designed by Friedrich Silaban, who is a Protestant Christian.

Quoted from the architecture page of Indonesia.org, in its construction, the Istiqlal Mosque needed up to 7,000 cement bags sent directly from the SIG production facility in Gresik Regency, East Java. In fact, the Company at that time had to increase its production to three times to meet the construction needs of the Istiqlal Mosque. Deliveries are carried out regularly using special train lines, so that the quality of cement is maintained.

Vita Mahreyni added that GIS has again won the trust to contribute to the renovation of the Istiqlal Mosque. SIG through its subsidiary, PT Semen Indonesia Beton (SIB), supplies 11,500 m3 ready-to-use concrete needs for the rejuvenation of the Istiqlal Mosque on January 7, 2021.

"As a state-owned provider of building materials solutions, SIG continues to innovate in presenting quality building materials solutions and prioritizing sustainability aspects. That way, GIS hopes to continue to contribute in the success of development throughout Indonesia, so that it can provide added value for the nation and state," said Vita Mahreyni.