Jakarta Cathedral and Istiqlal Mosque
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Jakarta Cathedral |
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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 |
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.
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