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Istiqlal Mosque

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · JAKARTA

Istiqlal Mosque

Southeast Asia's largest mosque, a vast modern hall of marble and steel facing Jakarta Cathedral.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
2 hours
Entry
Free
Best time
Morning, outside prayer times
Area
Central Jakarta

A huge park next to the giant Istiqlal Mosque.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma, Central Jakarta

  • On foot: At the northeast corner of Merdeka Square, near Monas.
  • Train: Juanda commuter station is a short walk away.
  • Visiting: Free guided tours for visitors outside prayer times; robes are available.

The story of Istiqlal Mosque

Istiqlal, meaning "independence", was built to celebrate Indonesia's freedom. It was designed by Friedrich Silaban, a Christian architect, and opened in 1978. It is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, able to hold well over 100,000 worshippers.

Its great dome is supported by twelve columns, and its single minaret rises above Merdeka Square. Facing it stands Jakarta Cathedral, and since 2021 an underground "Tunnel of Friendship" links the two, a symbol of religious harmony.

Best time to visit

Best season

All year.

Best time of day

Morning, outside prayer times.

Ramadan

Huge crowds for tarawih prayers and Eid.

Tips before you go

  • Visit the mosque outside prayer times.
  • Join a free guided tour at the visitor desk.
  • Visit the Tunnel of Friendship and Jakarta Cathedral opposite.

Best hotels near Istiqlal Mosque

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Hotel Indonesia Kempinski

Landmark hotel on the Bundaran HI roundabout.

See prices

Raffles Jakarta

Luxury hotel with an art collection.

See prices

The Hermitage, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Heritage building in leafy Menteng.

See prices
All hotels near Istiqlal Mosque

What's around Istiqlal Mosque

  • MonasNational Monument, 10 minutes' walk.
  • Jakarta CathedralDirectly opposite.
  • Pasar BaruHistoric shopping street.
  • National GalleryIndonesian art.

Questions travellers ask

Can non-Muslims visit Istiqlal?

Yes, with free guided tours outside prayer times.

How big is it?

It is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

What is the Tunnel of Friendship?

An underground passage linking the mosque and the cathedral.

More in Jakarta

National Monument (Monas)

National Monument (Monas)

Read the guide
Kota Tua (Old Town)

Kota Tua (Old Town)

Read the guide
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Travel Plan · Istiqlal Mosque Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure