Indonesia as a whole includes the largest Muslim population on earth, and thus many mosques and other places of worship are dedicated to the religion. As a previously held Dutch colony, Jakarta has a diverse mix of religious venues, including Christian churches and Buddhist monasteries. Visitors will have an opportunity to visit religious structures across multiple denominations, making for an unforgettable experience.
Istiqlal Mosque
This is the largest mosque in all Southeast Asia and is the sixth largest mosque in the world. The mosque was built to celebrate the independence of Indonesia, with the word “Istiqlal” being Arabic for independence. Originally opened in 1978, it is adjacent to Merdeka Square and the Jakarta Cathedral. The main prayer hall punctuates the Jakarta skyline with its swan-white dome. Much more than an architectural detail: it is the entrance to heaven. The mosque can hold up to 200,000 people throughout its various rooms including a main prayer room, preliminary building, open terrace and corridors. In a display of religious solidarity, the mosque’s large parking lot opens to worshipers of the Jakarta Cathedral during major Christian celebrations. A large garden with a fountain that overlooks the Monas monument is also located on site.
Address: Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma, Ps. Baru, Kecamatan Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10710, Indonesia
Phone: +62 21 3811708
Operating Hours:
– Monday – Friday: 4:00 am – 12:00 pm
– Saturday: 4:00 am – 11:00 pm
– Sunday: Closed
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website
Gereja Katedral (Jakarta Cathedral)
The Jakarta Cathedral, formally The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Jakarta. Originally built in 1901 in neo-gothic style, it is a stone’s throw away from the Istiqlal Mosque and the Merdeka Square. While the modern building was developed in the early 1900s, the original church was inaugurated in 1829. The church includes two floors, with the second floor originally used for the choir during masses. Visitors today can enter the Jakarta Cathedral Museum on the second floor that includes various relics from past Catholic rituals held at the church. Also on display is a history of Roman Catholicism in Indonesia.
Address: Jl. Katedral No.7B, Ps. Baru, Kecamatan Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10710
Phone: +62 21 3519186
Operating Hours:
– Monday – Sunday: 6:00am – 12:00pm; 3:30pm – 9:00pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website
Wihara Mahavira
The Wihara Mahavara is a unique Buddhist temple because statues, effigies or other traditional temple icons are absent. The location promotes itself as being “For Meditation, Education or Medication”. Many rows of benches allow visitors to meditate in a tranquil setting in the heart of Jakarta. In addition to the prayer and worship area, the temple includes a Buddhist library and on-site medical clinic. Visitors to the clinic will receive complimentary consultation assistance, regardless of their faith or nationality.
Address: Jl. Lodan Raya No. 6 B Ancol Barat Jakarta Utara, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia
Phone: +61 21 6909283
Operating Hours:
– Open 24 hours daily
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website
