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.



Qatar’s Emir: No Peace in Region Without Establishing a Palestinian State

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)
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Qatar’s Emir: No Peace in Region Without Establishing a Palestinian State

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said on Thursday the crisis in the Middle East is a "collective genocide," and that establishing a Palestinian State is the only way to ensure peace in the region.
"It has become crystal clear that what is happening is genocide", he said during the Asia Cooperation Dialogue summit in Doha.
The Emir emphasized that there can be no peace in the region without the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The Qatari Emir also condemned Israeli air strikes and military operations "against the brotherly Lebanese Republic".
Israel launched an assault a year ago on the Gaza Strip after Hamas militants attacked southern Israeli towns. 
This week, Israel launched a ground incursion in Lebanon against Hezbollah, which has been firing into Israel in what it says is solidarity with the Palestinians.