A major transition is underway as the title of Indonesia’s state mosque, currently held by the Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta, is set to be transferred to a new mosque being built in Nusantara, East Kalimantan.
Hariqo Wibawa Satria, a spokesperson for the Presidential Communications Office, announced on Monday that the relocation of the state mosque aligns with the broader shift of the nation’s capital to Nusantara.
“Currently, Istiqlal is the state mosque. However, with the capital moving to Nusantara, the new mosque there will assume this status,” Hariqo explained, as reported by Antara News.
The construction of the mosque in Nusantara is progressing steadily. Spanning an impressive 60,173 square meters, the mosque is designed to accommodate up to 60,000 worshippers, making it a significant landmark in the new capital.
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The Nusantara Capital City (IKN) Authority has also announced plans to construct places of worship for the country’s six officially recognized religions, including a cathedral and a church, ensuring the region reflects Indonesia’s rich religious diversity.
The project is part of the broader infrastructure development initiatives launched in January, which included a groundbreaking ceremony led by then-president Joko “Jokowi” Widodo. The Rp 940 billion (US$62 million) state mosque is one of the centerpiece projects aimed at making Nusantara the administrative and cultural heart of Indonesia.
This transition symbolizes more than a change in location—it underscores Indonesia’s commitment to uniting its people under shared values, even as its capital shifts to a new horizon.