During the national coordination meeting at Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama last January, the then Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, who is also the chairman of Indonesia Mosque Council (DMI) stated that there are more than 800,000 mosques around the country. The government aims to develop and curate Muslim places of worship to be promoted as destination for halal tourism.
Grand Mosque Semarang, Istiqlal Jakarta, Dian Al-Mahr Depok, Baiturrahman mosque in Aceh are the most common mosque in Indonesia, which still carry Arabian and Byzantium conventional style of design. On the other hand, these mosques are more contemporary in architecture.
Futurism Design at Al Irsyad, West Java
Former Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil designed this contemporary mosque in Padalarang, which has no dome and shaped more like a cube. Kamil, who is also an architect, completed the construction in 2010. This building is simpler in decoration, but has high philosophical value.
There is a three-dimensional calligraphy, making this place of worship luxurious and understated. The building is designed with air circulation in mind. Al Irsyad is chosen as the Top Five Building of the Year 2010 by the National Frame Association for its innovative mosque designs.
Grand Mosque of West Sumatra
Masjid Raya Padang or Padang Grand Mosque is inspired by Minangkabau traditional house reinterpreted with more modern design. The architect, Rizal Muslimin started building the mosque in 2007 and finished it in 2014—delayed due to budgeting problem. Saudi Arabia and Turkish government donated a grant to finish the construction.
As the biggest mosque in West Sumatra, the Grand Mosque’s roof is shaped as such to symbolize the cloth that was held by the four clan leaders of the Quraysh tribe by its corners to lift the Black Stone to the current spot in Mecca. It becomes an icon for Halal tourism in Sumatra, which consists of a three-store building,
The main building consists of three floors. In big Muslim festivities such as Eid al-Adha and Mubarak, more than 20,000 people would pray at the mosque.
Floating design at Amirul Mukminin, Makassar
Amirul Mukminin Mosque in Makassar South Sulawesi is popularly known as a floating mosque or masjid apung. The architect Muhammad Ramadhan ‘Danny’ Pomanto built this mosque in northern side, close by the renowned beach, Losari. Since the mosque is open for public in 2013, the floating mosque become destination among Muslims visiting Losari for vacation.
The mosque takes inspiration from a lighthouse—a mixed coastal architecture—and Arabian design notes. Amirul Mukminin can accommodate 500 worshipers at one time. The three-story building is the right spot to have twilight pray (magrib) while enjoying the splendour of sunset in the floating mosque.
