Jokowi officiates groundbreaking for State Mosque at IKN Nusantara

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officiated an infrastructure groundbreaking for the State Mosque in the new capital city (IKN) Nusantara, East Kalimantan, on Wednesday.

"The religious affairs minister conveyed that the capacity of this State Mosque is amounting to 61 thousand people," he stated at the groundbreaking event as followed virtually.

The State Mosque is planned to be surrounded by an artificial reservoir to beautify its exterior and interior appearance.

In addition, the president remarked that churches, cathedrals, monasteries, temples, and pagodas would be built to showcase Indonesia's religious diversity.

"This will show how diverse we are. We will continue to maintain harmony to build unity in our country," he emphasized.

At a budget of Rp940 billion (around US$60.1 million), the State Mosque will also be equipped with infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, with completion targeted in 400 days, Jokowi stated.

"It is targeted to be completed by the end of this year," he said.

The president expressed hope that the State Mosque would present the diversity of the Indonesian nation and be a means of increasing faith in God.

The government officially recognizes six religions, namely Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism.

Around 87% of the Indonesian population, or 241 million people, identify as Muslim, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs in 2022.

The mosque is also expected to accommodate Muslims in carrying out various religious and other social activities as well as serve as a symbol of strengthening religious tolerance and moderation at IKN, he stated.

"I want the mosque to serve as an example for other mosques in the world and showcase the uniqueness of Indonesia and IKN," Jokowi remarked.

Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Thohir, Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Head of the IKN Authority Bambang Susantono, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo also accompanied President Jokowi at the State Mosque groundbreaking event.