Indonesia Builds Islamic Center In Croatia, Strengthens Moderate Islamic Diplomacy And The Role Of Global Philanthropy
JAKARTA - Indonesia has again shown its commitment as a country with a spirit of peace and tolerance through the development of the Islamic Center in Osijek, Croatia. This project is part of Indonesia's soft diplomacy and the real implementation of Asta Cita Presiden Prabowo Subianto, which emphasizes the importance of tolerance between religious believers and global harmony in the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN).
Assistance worth EUR 1 million has been distributed by the Government of Indonesia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Croatian Islamic Community (Memenghilih Islamske Zajednice u Hrvatskoj). The handover ceremony was carried out by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Anis Matta, and witnessed by Prima Hadi Putra, Head of the Investment and Development Institute for Dompet Dhuafa Waqf.
"This is not just financial assistance, but a symbol of Indonesia's commitment to establishing global friendships based on moderate and inclusive Islamic values," said Prima Hadi Putra in a written statement received by VOI, Monday, July 9. He emphasized that this project is a tangible form of Indonesian philanthropic diplomacy that combines the strength of the state and civil society in global humanitarian missions.
Croatia, Indonesia's Moderate Islamic Diplomacy Strategic Point
Despite being a minority, the Muslim community in Croatia lives harmoniously and gets constitutional protection. The Zagreb Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Europe, has become a symbol of Muslim integration in Croatian social life. With a Muslim population of about 1.3%, Croatia has become a fertile field to sow the values of Indonesian-style tolerant and peaceful Islam.
The Islamic Center in Osijek will be built on an area of 3,000 m2 and an area of 900 m2 which has been approved by the Osijek City Government. This center not only functions as a mosque, but also as a cultural center and interfaith dialogue that promotes Islam rahmatan lil alamin.
The Collaboration Of Indonesian Islamic Philanthropy
The development of the Osijek Islamic Center is a real example of collaboration between governments and philanthropic institutions. Dompet Dhuafa, as one of the leading waqf management organizations, actively supports this project by raising donations from the wider community.
Soft diplomacy is not only the task of the government, but also the collective mission of the community. Every rupiah that is donated is a contribution to global peace and Indonesia's positive image in the eyes of the world," added Prima Hadi Putra.
Although the project has started at the end of 2023, the development process was stopped due to funding constraints. For this reason, the participation of the Indonesian people is needed to continue the development and the success of this big mission.
Traces Of Indonesia's Peace Diplomacy In Europe
The construction of the Osijek Islamic Center continues the footsteps of Indonesia's diplomacy, which previously built the Istiqlal Mosque in Sarajevo, Bosnia, in 1995. The name 'Istiqlal' was again promoted as a symbol of brotherhood and religious freedom. This project will be an important pillar in strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Croatia and expanding Indonesia's positive influence as a Muslim-majority country that upholds human values.
With the establishment of this Islamic Center, Indonesia shows that Islam and modernity can run side by side. This is also a concrete effort to fight the narrative of extremism and build cross-cultural and interfaith understanding.
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Now is the time for Indonesians to take part in this big mission. Waqf donations through Dompet Dhuafa or other trusted philanthropic institutions will become long-term investments, not only to build physical facilities, but also to sow moderate Islamic values in the midst of European society.
Let's make the development of the Osijek Islamic Center a collective momentum to strengthen Indonesia's image as a peaceful, tolerant, and generous country. With the spirit of Asta Cita and the principle of mutual cooperation, Indonesia is ready to play its global role in building a peaceful and inclusive Islamic civilization.