Jakarta Islamic Center... a Cultural Destination in Southeast Asia

Photo of the Islamic Center Mosque in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, following the fire that broke out last month. (AFP)
Photo of the Islamic Center Mosque in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, following the fire that broke out last month. (AFP)
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Jakarta Islamic Center... a Cultural Destination in Southeast Asia

Photo of the Islamic Center Mosque in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, following the fire that broke out last month. (AFP)
Photo of the Islamic Center Mosque in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, following the fire that broke out last month. (AFP)

The Islamic Center in Jakarta is considered one of the most prominent Islamic and cultural destinations in South and Southeast Asia. Its importance stems from being the largest Islamic center in the biggest Islamic country in terms of population. Its affairs are managed by the Jakarta city government.

The center handles religious and cultural studies and dialogues, as well as scientific councils. It extends over an area of around 110,000 square meters, while its mosque can accommodate up to 20,000 worshipers.

In addition to its educational, training and commercial facilities, the Jakarta Islamic Center contains a large hall for Islamic conferences, a hotel for guest accommodation, a business complex, and a multi-storey office building.

The center also includes an educational complex that offers religious and cultural teachings, and brings together a number of scholars from inside and outside Indonesia. Over the years, the complex has become a destination for students from South and Southeast Asian countries.

Moreover, the Jakarta Islamic Center comprises a training area, an exhibition hall, a studio dedicated to the production of Islamic films, and a pre-school, which is visited annually by young children from all over the country to study Islamic teachings.

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman has announced earlier this week Saudi Arabia’s sponsorship of the restoration of the Jakarta Islamic Center, following a fire last month, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Association, said that this initiative comes as an extension of Saudi Arabia’s keenness to enhance the awareness of the Islamic nation’s people with the principles of their great religion.

Islamic Centers have a significant role in the education of younger generations and the spread of a tolerant Islam. Its message is based on peace, moderation, and dialogue, said SPA.



Syrian FM: Saudi Arabia Will Be Destination of First Official Foreign Visit

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. (AFP)
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. (AFP)
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Syrian FM: Saudi Arabia Will Be Destination of First Official Foreign Visit

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. (AFP)
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. (AFP)

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani said on Monday that he received an invitation from his Saudi counterpart to visit the Kingdom, making it the destination of his first official foreign visit since his appointment to his post.

In a post on the X platform, he revealed that he received the invitation from Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abullah and that he was “honored to represent his country” during the official visit.

Shibani added that the “new Syria welcomes all Arab and foreign delegations. We are opening a new historic chapter that connects Syria’s past to its present and closes the chapter of boycott during the rule of the former regime.”

Hours earlier, head of Syria’s new administration Ahmed al-Sharaa underscored to Al-Arabiya television the importance of Saudi Arabia in Syria’s future.

“Saudi Arabia will play a major role,” he stressed, highlighting the recent “very positive” Saudi statements on Syria.

Saudi Arabia is seeking Syria’s stability, he added, noting the major economic opportunities available in his country.