VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, UAE’s Minister of Energy and Industry, Suhail Mohammed Al Mazroui, Solo Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and officials laid the cornerstone for the construction of the Grand Mosque Sheikh Zayed in Solo, Central Java, on Saturday (March 6, 2021). (ANTARA/HO/Pemkot Surakarta)

The Indonesian government has started construction of the Grand Mosque Sheikh Zayed in Solo, Central Java, which is being built as a symbol of Indonesia-United Arab Emirates friendship.

"This mosque that has a contemporary history will be dedicated to all Muslims and will be managed by the Indonesian government. Insya Allah (God willing), this mosque will bring great advantage to the public," Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said while laying the cornerstone for the mosque here on Saturday.

He said the mosque, which is being built using a grant from UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed An Bahan to Indonesian President Joko Widodo, will serve as a symbol of Indonesia-UAE friendship."This mosque will serve as one of the means to disseminate the greatness of Islam in the archipelago and a symbol of modernity in adhering to religion to create global peace and social justice," he remarked.

The mosque is expected to serve not only as a place for congregational prayers, but also as a center for propagation, social activity, mental development, and as a religious tourist destination, he said.

Meanwhile, UAE’s Minister of Energy and Industry, Suhail Mohammed Al Mazroui, said the UAE government is trying to make the architecture of the mosque resemble that of the mosque in Abu Dhabi."As we all know, the mosque is the symbol of the very special architecture. It will serve not only as a place of worship, but also a tourist destination. The mosque built here would not only reflect the superiority of building architecture, but could also become a source of foreign exchange earnings," he said//ANT