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.



Saudi Arabia, Estonia to Expand Bilateral Relations

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
TT

Saudi Arabia, Estonia to Expand Bilateral Relations

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna (Saudi Foreign Ministry)

Saudi Arabia and Estonia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance political consultations and strengthen their bilateral relations.
The agreement was made after a meeting between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna in Tallinn on Wednesday.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas later met with Prince Faisal to discuss the current cooperation and explore ways to expand it. They also talked about recent regional and international developments and efforts to address them.
Prince Faisal announced in a joint press conference with his Estonian counterpart that the new MoU on political consultations will strengthen coordination and cooperation between the two countries.
He emphasized their efforts to enhance economic, cultural, and technological ties, as well as boost trade, investment, and innovation.
The Saudi minister also mentioned that their talks covered various issues, including shared challenges, the Gaza conflict, and finding a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war.
He commended Estonia for supporting the UN resolution on Palestine’s membership, calling it a crucial step towards a two-state solution.

Prince Faisal highlighted that trade between Saudi Arabia and Estonia reached $72 million last year, with Saudi exports at $21 million and imports from Estonia at $51 million. He expressed optimism for further economic growth.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry reported that Prince Faisal’s meeting with Tsahkna focused on strengthening bilateral relations in various sectors and increasing coordination on issues of mutual interest.