Istiqlal Mosque Renovation Using Local Products, Target For Completion By The End Of June

Istiqlal Mosque under renovation (Photo: pu.go.id)

Jakarta - The Istiqlal Mosque renovation has reached 89 percent and is targeted for completion by the end of June. Initially, the renovations that were carried out in May were targeted to be completed in Ramadan. However, due to the corona virus pandemic or COVID-19 and the enactment of the Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) policy, the completion of renovations was delayed by 1.5 months.

PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono in his statement said that the renovation of the Istiqlal Mosque was carried out in accordance with the COVID-19 prevention protocol, such as maintaining physical distance, using masks, and avoiding crowds and PUPR Inmen No. 02 / IN / M / 2020 concerning the Protocol to Prevent the Spread of Corona Virus Disease 2019 ( COVID-19) in the Implementation of Construction Services.

"Don't let our construction workers be exposed to COVID-19. The Istiqlal Mosque can only be used after the COVID-19 pandemic ends," said Basuki as quoted from page pu.go.id, Friday, May 15.

The scope of work for the renovation of the Istiqlal Mosque includes area arrangement, structural work, architectural work, mechanical electrical plumbing (MEP), interior work and signage with a budget of IDR475 billion.

Minister Basuki added, "I really ask that domestic products be used in this Istiqlal Renovation, at least the factories are in Indonesia, for example air conditioning, furniture to chandeliers."

The Istiqlal Mosque has an area of 91,629 square meters - excluding river areas - and a mosque building area of 80,948 square meters that can accommodate 200,000 people.

Area structuring works include restoring the Monas Axis and zoning zoning, repairing gates, adding plazas as public spaces, repairing riverfronts along the river, adding a second tier parking building (basement), repairing canteens and adding street vendors.

The parking space on the surface is now used as a green park and public area. Even on the river side, an amphitheater is provided for various supporting activities.

Meanwhile, architectural work includes facades, floors, walls, frames, windows, doors, ablution rooms, toilets and bathrooms. Then, the interior work includes the interior of the main prayer room, VIP area and offices of the mosque management.

Furthermore, MEP's work includes repairing the entire building's MEP system, installing solar panels on the roof of the hallway, and repairing interior and exterior lighting. Meanwhile, signage work includes changing the signage for gates, outdoor and interior spaces.

In carrying out the renovations, Minister Basuki emphasized that the implementing contractor should not only maximize the function of the Istiqlal Mosque as a place of worship, but also pay attention to architecture, art, aesthetics, and last but not least, maintain the rules of the cultural heritage of mosque buildings.

The renovation of the Istiqlal Mosque is the first and largest renovation since it was built 41 years ago which is a follow-up to President Joko Widodo's order after receiving the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Istiqlal Mosque on May 30, 2018. This renovation was carried out by PT Waskita Karya as the contractor and PT Virama Karya as a construction management consultant.