Religion in Indonesia

Jakarta Cathedral and Istiqlal Mosque

Jakarta Cathedral

Istiqlal Mosque

Only about 12% of Indonesians are Christian.  The majority are Muslim with a few of them Hindu or Buddhist.  Immigration from India, China, Portugal, Arabia, and Netherlands has been a major contributor to the diversity of religion within the country. Catholicism was brought over by Portugal and the Dutch Netherlands introduced Protestantism.

Jakarta Cathedral

Gereja Santa Maria Pelindung Diangkat Ke Surga 

(The Church of Our Lady of Assumption)

We had the opportunity to visit the over 100 years old Jakarta Cathedral, one of the most beautiful historical buildings in Jakarta.  

There are three main spires in Jakarta Cathedral. The north tower is called "The Fort of David", which symbolizes Mary as the refuge and protector against the power of darkness. The south tower is called "The Ivory Tower", which the whiteness and pureness of ivory describe the pureness of Virgin Mary. The third spire rises above the roof's cross intersection is called "The Angelus Dei Tower". 

Confessional

Walking the perimeter.

Istiqlal Mosque
The name “Istiqlal” means “freedom”

Across the street from Jakarta Cathedral is the largest mosque in South East Asia, Istiqlal Mosque. Indonesia is the biggest Muslim nation on earth and therefore, fittingly, the biggest mosque situated in Central Jakarta. 

Good angle to see the large dome.

Chad and I had to take off our shoes and put on these kimonos to enter the mosque.

The dome is supported by twelve round columns and the prayer hall is surrounded by rectangular piers carrying four levels of balcony. Staircases at the corners of the building give access to all floors. The interior design is minimalist, simple and clean cut, with minimal adornment of aluminium geometric ornaments. On the main wall, there is a large metalwork of Arabic calligraphy spelling the name of Allah on the right side and Muhammad on the left side, and also the calligraphy of Surah Thaha 14th verse in the center.

Over 200,000 people can congregate at the mosque at the same time.

 This is the outdoor prayer area divided into two areas for women and men.

The darker rectangles are the designated prayer spaces.

President Obama and the First Lady visited Istiqlal just a couple of months ago.  The people here love Obama and the fact that he lived in Jakarta as a youth. (Hmm... I wonder why they did not have to wear the kimonos??)

This is called the wudu or ablution area and is the place to wash your feet 

when you come and go from the mosque.