The Gathering Tunnel Of The Istiqlal Mosque-The Cathedral Church That Prabowo Inaugurated Costs IDR 38.9 Billion

Photo: Doc. Ministry of Public Works

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works (PU) has completed the construction of the Istiqlal Mosque Tunnel and the Jakarta Cathedral Church in 2021. This project cost IDR 38.9 billion.

It is known that this project began to be implemented by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) during the era of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) leadership through contractor PT Waskita Karya. The construction project will be completed on time, namely on September 20, 2021.

PU Minister Dody Hanggodo said the existence of this Gathering Tunnel aims to facilitate the access of congregants between worship buildings and to meet the needs of parking spaces so that they can accommodate 800-1,000 vehicles without disrupting traffic flow.

"In the tunnel there is also a diorama gallery that tells the relationship of tolerance between religious communities in the country," said Dody in his official statement, Thursday, December 12.

The diorama Gallery of the Gathering Tunnel itself was designed by the artist Sunaryo with the theme Wot Hati (Heart Bridge), which has the meaning of touching hands, depicting the humility that was born from the bottom of the heart.

It is also played by various voices as a symbol of religious diversity and beautified by the unbroken light around the tunnel as well as being a symbol of shaking hands.

"Hopefully in the future, the congregation of the Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral Church can take advantage of it together and maintain it well and further strengthen harmony and tolerance between religious communities in Indonesia," he said.

The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, has inaugurated the Istiqlal Mosque Tunnel and the Jakarta Cathedral Church today.

Prabowo said this tunnel is a symbol of harmony between religious communities which makes the Indonesian nation a very unique and proud feature, namely a nation full of differences.

"Different religions, ethnic groups, ethnic groups, races, regional languages, customs, but can be united and harmonious because they have the same ideals, namely achieving a future that can give happiness to all Indonesian people. Differences cannot be a dividing barrier, the difference is our wealth," he said.