Demak Grand Mosque Is Again Encouraged To Enter UNESCO Cultural Heritage

Demak Grand Mosque can soon be nominated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. (IST)

Demak Grand Mosque has again received international attention. A group of researchers from the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (IRCS), accompanied by cultural and religious figures from Indonesia, visited the historic site on Thursday, May 1, 2025. They hope that the Demak Grand Mosque can soon be nominated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

This visit was led by Dr. Ubaidillah from the IRCS or the Singapore Islamic Ulema Council (MUIS), accompanied by KH. Dr. M. Ali Abdillah, Secretary General of JATMAN PBNU as well as the elder of the Demak Bintoro Nusantara Association (PDBN), and Dr. Ginanjar, an expert in Islamic Archipelago from PBNU.

The group was received by the Deputy Chairperson of the Takmir of the Great Mosque of Demak, KH. Abdullah Makhali, accompanied by a number of mosque administrators, PDBN activists, and PGSI Chair, Ustaz Noor Salim.

In his remarks, Kiai Abdillah emphasized that this visit was not just a pilgrimage, but part of a mission to preserve the history of the archipelago's Islamic history. "We assist in research on Islamic artifacts and manuscripts which are the initial evidence of Islamic civilization in Demak. The big goal is that the Demak Grand Mosque can be proposed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage," he said in a written statement received in Jakarta, Friday, May 2.

According to him, the manuscript stored in the Demak Grand Mosque Museum is the primary source of the history of the first Islamic kingdom in Java. "This is clear evidence of the identity of the archipelago Islamic identity that must be maintained," he added.

Dr. Ubaidillah from IRCS called his visit part of an academic program. "We want to understand the history of Islam of the archipelago based on manuscripts and artifacts. The findings at the Demak Grand Mosque will be important material for the curriculum in the Singapore College of Islamic Studies," said Ubaid.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ginanjar emphasized the importance of protection against the ancient manuscript. "Manuscrip and this artifact are authentic evidence that confirms Demak's position in the history of Islamic civilization. It is very worthy of being nominated for UNESCO Cultural Heritage," he stressed.

He also added that the preservation and security of the site should be a priority for the government and the local community.