Indonesia’s Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia’s largest, welcomed Pope Francis on Thursday, underscoring its role not only as a place of worship but as a center for interfaith dialogue and humanity.
In his speech, Grand Imam Prof. Dr. KH Nasaruddin Umar emphasized the mosque’s inclusive nature, noting its design by Friedrich Silaban, a Christian architect.
“The Istiqlal Mosque was designed by the architect Mr Friedrich Silaban, a non-Muslim Indonesian – a Christian, in fact,” he said.
The mosque, built to accommodate 250,000 worshipers, is also a space for interfaith, cultural, and educational activities.
“It is not only a house of worship for Muslims, but also a great home for humanity,” said the Grand Imam.
The visit was seen as a gesture of respect for Indonesia’s diverse religious landscape. “The presence of Your Holiness, Pope Francis, at the largest mosque in Asia… is certainly a great honor for all the citizens of Indonesia,” the Grand Imam said.
A notable feature of the Istiqlal Mosque is the Silaturrahim Tunnel or Tunnel of Friendship, which links the mosque to Jakarta Cathedral.
“The construction of the Silaturrahim Tunnel is proof of the role of the Istiqlal Mosque as a melting pot,” said Umar.
The mosque also runs Ulama Cadre programs in partnership with universities in Egypt, Morocco, and the United States, aimed at producing moderate religious leaders.
“It is our specific goal and expectation that alumni of Ulama Cadre become moderate and internationally recognized leaders,” the Grand Imam added.
The Grand Imam expressed hope for greater interfaith understanding, saying, “God willing, the message and ideals expressed by Your Holiness, Pope Francis, will be put into practice by all of us.”
