TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Management of Istiqlal Mosque is currently building 56 free hotel rooms for out-of-town travelers who wish to rest while visiting the national mosque. The Deputy Head of Riayah Section of the Istiqlal Mosque Management, Ar. Her Pramtama, stated that the construction of these rooms began on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
One of the movements initiated by the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, who is also the Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, was to build 40 free hotel rooms. However, after the evaluation, it was discovered that they could convert rooms to create 56 rooms measuring 2x3 meters.
"Initially, the number was indeed 40 (rooms). Then we were able to add more. So it's around 56. We were able to add 16 more rooms," said Ar. Her Pramtama when contacted on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Ar. Her Pramtama explained that the idea of building free hotel rooms at Istiqlal stemmed from the Grand Imam's concern for the majority of travelers coming from outside Jakarta. He mentioned that these travelers often visit for one or two days, or even just a few hours. As a result, many of them sleep on the mosque floor while carrying large suitcases or bags.
It was in response to this situation that the Grand Imam Nasaruddin saw the need for a proper resting place for them. "In light of this situation, perhaps the Grand Imam was moved to create or provide better services. He then assigned me, as an architect and also a caretaker at the Istiqlal Mosque, as the Deputy Head of Riayah Section," he said.
Ar. Her Pramtama mentioned that the rooms will be located within the Istiqlal complex. They will be situated near the men's ablution area close to Al-Fattah plaza. There is a corridor leading to the madrasah from this location. The multipurpose building area is to the right of the corridor.
He added that Istiqlal has two multipurpose rooms. Therefore, one of the unused rooms has been repurposed to accommodate free traveler rooms after considering the situation at Istiqlal. "So, we utilized one floor that was previously a multipurpose area. Then we transformed its interior into a hotel, with capsule-like rooms similar to those in Japan or Singapore, such as those usually found at airports," he said.
Each 2x3 meter room will consist of a single bed, as well as a storage cabinet and sitting area. Separate areas will be designated for women and men.
Ar. Her Pramtama aims for the free hotel room facilities to be completed by the end of Ramadan. The service for the free hotel rooms at the Istiqlal Mosque will be permanently available, not just during Ramadan. However, these free rooms are only intended for travelers from outside Jakarta.
"So, it really has to be those who are visiting or using this facility while traveling, not those living in Jakarta or its vicinity," he said.
The idea of free hotel rooms for travelers was first mentioned by Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar on Friday, February 28, 2025. He stated that these facilities were established due to the large number of pilgrims visiting Istiqlal Mosque during Ramadan.
According to Nasaruddin, these travelers likely only stay for one or two days, and it is too expensive for them to stay in a hotel. Consequently, many of them opt to stay at Istiqlal Mosque. Therefore, Istiqlal Mosque took the initiative to provide temporary resting places for these travelers.
"The hotel is similar to those found in Japan or at Singapore airports. It's a capsule hotel, so it's quite good. It includes a place for luggage, a shower, and free breakfast," Nasaruddin said during a press conference at Istiqlal Mosque, as quoted from the Istiqlal Mosque's YouTube channel yesterday.
Editor’s Choice: Prabowo Calls for Piety and Unity in His Ramadan Message
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
12 Guidelines for Traveling During Ramadan
13 menit lalu
When traveling to majority-Muslim countries during Ramadan, it's important to pay attention to these guidelines in order to respect the local residents.
Prabowo Calls for Piety and Unity in His Ramadan Message
23 jam lalu
President Prabowo Subianto extended his warm greetings to all Muslim citizens of Indonesia as they begin the holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan Across the Globe: Cities with the Longest and Shortest Fasting Hours
23 jam lalu
Ramadan fasting hours vary across countries due to geography and the sun's position, influencing day length.
6 Common Health Problems During Fasting and How to Overcome Them
1 hari lalu
If not accustomed to the changes during fasting, the body will respond with various health problems
Free Nutritious Meals to Proceed as Normal in Some Regions During Ramadan
1 hari lalu
What are the two implementation schemes for free nutritious meals during the Ramadan?
Religious Affairs Ministry Declares Ramadan Starts on March 1, 2025
1 hari lalu
Ministry of Religious Affairs Isbat Session determines the beginning of fasting on 1 Ramadan to fall on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Ministry Announces 6-Hour Workdays for Civil Servants During Ramadan
1 hari lalu
Ministry stated that President Prabowo Subianto has decided to reduce the working hours of civil servants or ASN during the month of Ramadan.
Israel to Restrict Palestinians' Al Aqsa Mosque Visits During Ramadan
1 hari lalu
Israel stated on Thursday that it would restrict Palestinian Muslim visits to the Al Aqsa Mosque complex in the Old City of Jerusalem during the holy month of Ramadan.
Prabowo Ensures No Rogue Speculators Ahead of Ramadan
1 hari lalu
President Prabowo Subianto claims to have been monitoring the developments in food prices in recent weeks.
UN Chief Sends Muslims 'Warmest Wishes' on Start of Ramadan
1 hari lalu
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his warmest wishes to the Muslim community worldwide for a blessed Ramadan.
