Unit 2 Learning Activities 2.2 Listening Activity 1

Summary

The Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Southeast Asia's largest, symbolizes Indonesia's religious tolerance. Designed by Christian architect Frederick Silaban in 1954 and inaugurated in 1978, it commemorates Indonesian independence. The mosque, spanning nine hectares with a capacity for 120,000 worshippers, features a central prayer hall, five levels, and a 45-meter dome. It also includes ablution areas and serves as a religious instruction center.

Takeaways

• 🕌 The Istiqlal Mosque is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.
• 📍 It is located in central Jakarta, Indonesia.
• 🌐 The mosque stands across an old Catholic Church, symbolizing religious tolerance.
• 🏛️ Named 'Istiqlal' meaning 'Independence' in Arabic, it was built to commemorate Indonesian independence.
• 👨‍💼 Designed by a Christian architect, Frederick Silaban, from North Sumatra.
• 🏗️ Construction took 17 years and was led by the first President of Indonesia, Sukarno.
• 🗓️ The mosque was inaugurated on February 22, 1978.
• 🏞️ It covers a nine-hectare area with a massive prayer hall and a large dome.
• 👥 The capacity of the mosque is approximately 120,000 people.
• 🛁 Equipped with special plumbing for ablution areas that can accommodate over 600 worshipers at once.
• 📚 The upper floors serve as classrooms for religious instruction or rest areas for pilgrims.

Q & A

What is the Grand Istiqlal Mosque known for in Southeast Asia?

The Grand Istiqlal Mosque is known for being the largest mosque in Southeast Asia both in terms of structure and capacity.

Where is the Grand Istiqlal Mosque located?

The mosque is located at Jalan Taman UI Jayakusuma and Central Jakarta.

What is the significance of the location of the Grand Istiqlal Mosque?

The mosque stands right across the old Catholic Church, symbolizing the nation's acceptance of religious diversity and tolerance, which characterizes Indonesia.

What does 'Istiqlal' mean in the context of the mosque's name?

The name 'Istiqlal' means Independence in Arabic, as it was built to commemorate Indonesian Independence.

Who designed the Grand Istiqlal Mosque?

The mosque was designed in 1954 by Frederick Silaban, a Christian architect from North Sumatra.

How long did it take to construct the Grand Istiqlal Mosque?

The construction of the mosque took 17 years to complete.

Who led the construction of the Grand Istiqlal Mosque?

The construction was led directly by President Sukarno, the founding father and the first President of Indonesia.

When was the Grand Istiqlal Mosque officially opened?

The grand opening of the mosque took place on February 22, 1978.

What is the total area covered by the Grand Istiqlal Mosque?

The mosque covers a nine-hectare area.

How many people can the Grand Istiqlal Mosque accommodate at full capacity?

The mosque can accommodate about 120,000 people at full capacity.

What are the special features of the mosque's interior?

The interior is mostly simple but represents the luxury of the mosque itself. It has a large rectangular prayer hall with a 45-meter diameter dome supported by 12 round columns and four levels of balconies surrounding the hall.

What is the purpose of the upper floors when the mosque is not filled to capacity?

When the mosque is not filled to capacity, the upper floors serve as classroom areas for religious instruction or as rest areas for visiting pilgrims.