Visit To Abu Dhabi, Jokowi Performs Sunnah Prayers At President Joko Widodo Mosque

President Joko Widodo prays at President Joko Widodo Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday (17/7/2024). (doc Setneg)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo took the time to visit President Joko Widodo's Mosque on the sidelines of a state visit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (PEA), Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

As reported by ANTARA, Thursday, July 18, the visit was carried out after President Jokowi was welcomed by the state in Qasr Al Watan by the President of PEA, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

President Jokowi arrived at the mosque at around 14:20 local time and immediately took wudu. After that, President Jokowi entered the male prayer area and performed the sunah prayer tahayatul mosque.

After working on two rakaat sunnah prayers, President Jokowi later became an imam and led the Zuhur and Asar prayers in congregation qasar.

During the prayer, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of PEA Suhail Al Mazrouei, Indonesian Ambassador to PEA Husin Bagis, and PEA Ambassador to RI Abdullah Salem Al Dhaheri.

Also participated in the Director General of Protocol and Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Head of State Protocol Andy Rachmianto, Presidential Military Secretary Major General Rudy Saladin, Paspampres Commander Major General TNI Achiruddin, and Deputy for Protocol, Press and Media of the Presidential Secretariat Mohamad Yusuf Permana, as well as other limited equipment.

After performing the fardu prayer, President Jokowi prayed together led by Chairman Awqaf (General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments) Omar Habtoor Al Darei.

The Indonesian Ambassador to PEA, Husin Bagis, said that this visit was a historic moment because it was the first time President Jokowi visited a mosque named President Jokowi himself.

"Since its inauguration on December 14, 2023, this is the first time the President has been able to visit and perform prayers at a mosque named after him, which is a tribute to his contribution in strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and the PEA," said Ambassador Husin Bagis.

Furthermore, Ambassador Husin stated that President Jokowi's presence at this mosque was not only a symbol of respect, but also a reflection of the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The presence of the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of PEA Suhail Al Mazrouei, and the Chairperson of Awqaf Omar Habtoor Al Derei at President Joko Widodo Mosque are expected to further enhance cooperation between the two countries in various fields, including in the fields of energy and infrastructure, as well as inter-dai and imam cooperation in promoting moderate Islam.

"Hopefully this visit will further strengthen the good relations that have been established and bring blessings to the two nations," said Ambassador Husin.

To note, the Joko Widodo Mosque in Abu Dhabi is located in the diplomatic area of Abu Dhabi and is traversed by Jalan President Joko Widodo. The Joko Widodo Mosque can accommodate around 2,500 worshipers.

The mosque stands on an area of approximately 3,766 square meters and was built with funding from the PEA.

The mosque will start construction from November 2021 to October 2023 and will be inaugurated on December 14, 2023.

The presence of President Joko Widodo's Mosque became a symbol of the closeness of Indonesia and the PEA after President Joko Widodo's Road in Abu Dhabi. On the other hand, in Indonesia it is symbolized by the presence of the Syekh Zayed Solo Mosque and the MBZ Flyover Toll Road.