Jusuf Kalla Says 75 Percent of Mosques in Indonesia Have Problems with Sound Amplifiers

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI) Jusuf Kalla alias JK said that about 75 percent of mosques in Indonesia still have problems with sound systems or acoustic loudspeakers that need to be repaired, especially in terms of operational and installation of sound devices.

According to him, many mosque loudspeakers are installed without careful planning. He assessed that the installation was often carried out by parties who lacked technical understanding, so that the sound quality did not match the function of the mosque as a place of worship.

"Throughout Indonesia, about 75% of mosques have sound systems that need to be improved operationally, because the people who install it are sometimes children who live in the mosque, so the way they install it is important for sound," said JK in an acoustic mosque training for 109 Mosque Prosperity Councils (DKM) in Jakarta, Sunday, January 25.

He said the mosque sound system should be adjusted to the size and grandeur of the mosque, the condition of the surrounding environment, and the character of the local community. The use of too loud sound, he said, actually eliminates the congregation's piety.

"The change is big even though it is necessary. It must be in accordance with the greatness of the mosque, the atmosphere of the community, and not just put up. Not just raising the voice," said the 10th and 12th vice president of the Republic of Indonesia, quoted from Antara.

He emphasized that mosques should present a solemn atmosphere because it is a place of worship, not a place of entertainment.

"The mosque must be solemn. This is a worship, not entertainment. If entertainment, people might be able to sleep, but this is a worship, so it must be solemn," he said.

He hopes that mosque managers can understand the importance of good sound management, so that worship can take place more devoutly and comfortably for the congregation.