When you enter the Mosque you feel the special place. It's huge space, fantastic ceilings, light effects, cool air and quiet ambience grips you. The architecture of the building is fastantic. This is completely irrespective of your religion. And Muslims will come and talk to you, friendly, interested, open. If you want to get rid of any Muslim phobia, go... More

There will always be an English speaking guide here. You must remove your shoes in order to enter the Mosque. Non-muslims are not permitted into the main sanctuary. But there is nothing lacking in the experience. You will be taken to the second floor where you can fully see the entirety of the main sanctuary. If you choose, as I... More

I find a little bit hard to take visitors when they come to Jakarta for reasons like traffic and iconic places. Please don't take me wrong, there are tons of places to hang around, excellent restaurants and night live. But the Istiqlal Mosque deserves a visit. It is not only huge, but you get a peaceful feeling like no other... More

Don't expect too much of the tour that the mosque offers. Nevertheless, the mosque is worth visiting. Especially on Friday just before noon when the worshippers flock to prayer.

I visited this mosque on April, 2013 at evening. The place was calm & quite without much noise. Also there were not so many people so I sat there for some time in quite place & thinking about life. There is a big dome with golden light & all the script written in arabic. The facilities are good for praying... More

Lies in Central Jakarta, near hotel Borobudur and Lapangan Banteng. Surrounded by shooping centre Passer Baroe and the Cathedral church, this is a mosque which is architected by a non Moslem/Protestant Catholic mr Frederich Silaban. Ground breaking on 1951 with Indonesian first President Sukarno, Istiqlal means freedom. The non Moslem may also visit this mosque with some guide available.

Having visited the first & original domed mosque, the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul, I can see how the architect attempted to replicate the Hagia Sofia’s imposing & ethereal atmosphere. The 1960’s must have been a dull period as the Masjid Istiqlal was built in simplistic & minimalist style, mostly of concrete with steel covered columns which are very weird. One redeeming thing is the huge golden dome which has nothing to do with... More

Unlike most typical dome-designed mosques seen around the region, the Istiqlal Mosque is designed taking into account the future and is a reflection of Jakarta's growing prominence in the international arena.

I'm a foreigner, alone on business. I had some free time and was attracted to the mosque thinking it might provide a peaceful experience, perhaps even somewhat religious, and it would be an opportunity to experience an important part of Islamic culture. As I entered, I was greeted by a guide who said he was with the mosque. He wore... More