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)
TT

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.



Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bangladesh on Death of Former PM Khaleda Zia

An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
TT

Saudi Leadership Offers Condolences to Bangladesh on Death of Former PM Khaleda Zia

An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)
An aerial view shows mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at the Parliament House premises in Dhaka on December 31, 2025 a day after her death. (AFP)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud sent on Thursday a cable of condolences to Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin on the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

He extended his sincere condolences and sympathy to the president and the family of the deceased.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent Shahabuddin a similar cable.


Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo
TT

Pakistan Supports Saudi Arabia, Welcomes Regional Efforts to De-escalate Situation in Yemen

The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad.  AP file photo
The Pakistani flag is seen in Islamabad. AP file photo

Pakistan has confirmed its support for Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, and for all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Wednesday that Pakistan strongly opposes any unilateral actions taken by any Yemeni party that escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten peace and stability in Yemen and the region.

The statement said Pakistan welcomes regional efforts to de-escalate the situation and maintain peace and stability in Yemen, expresses its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, and reaffirms its commitment to the Kingdom’s security.

It added that Pakistan maintains its strong support for resolving the Yemen issue through dialogue and diplomacy, and hopes that the Yemeni people and regional powers will work together to reach a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the issue and safeguard regional stability.


Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
TT

Saudi-Palestinian Discussions Focus on Gaza, the West Bank

The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA
The Saudi Foreign Minister met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the PLO's Executive Committee. SPA

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met on Wednesday in Riyadh with Vice President of the State of Palestine and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Hussein Al Sheikh.

During the meeting, they discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the dire humanitarian conditions facing Gaza residents, ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire, and Israeli escalation in the West Bank. They stressed the importance of the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

The two sides also underlined the need for the release of Palestinian Authority funds, the protection of the Palestinian banking system, and commitment to implementing the comprehensive peace plan put forward by US President Donald Trump.

The meeting highlighted Saudi Arabia’s support for the reform program launched by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and praised the efforts of the US president.

The two sides affirmed the importance of connecting Gaza to the West Bank and continuing efforts, in coordination with brotherly countries and international partners, to ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the realization of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al Farhan and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Manal Radwan.