Istiqlal Mosque

Not far from Merdeka Square is Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in South East Asia. Opened in 1978 during Soeharto’s reign, the mosque is noted for having four balconies overlooking a large rectangular prayer hall, held up by 12 round columns. Its dome is conspicuous at a great distance and the central sahn (courtyard) can hold a mind-bending 120,000 worshippers. As in every other mosque in the world, shoes must be taken off at the main entrance and ladies must enter with their heads covered. Unless worshipping, arrive outside ofsalat (prayer) hours as it can get pretty busy. Non-Muslims are refrained from entering certain areas.