Located in the middle of Jakarta, the second biggest mosque in Indonesia event in south east Asia stands. The first stone begun in 1961 on the initiative of KH. Wahid Hasyim, H. Agus Salim, Ir. Sofwan and Mr. Anwar Cokroaminoto and was done in 1978 in President Soeharto era. Istiqlal has been a symbol of Indonesia freedom, because Istqlal means freedom. Istiqlal was built in ex-Holland fort, Frederick Hendrik Fort and Wilhelmina Park that constructed by Governor General Van Den Bosch in 1834. The location was chosen by President Soekarno. One reason to show religious harmonic in Indonesia because in front of the location, was built cathedral church first.
Now, Istiqlal being center of society activities especially moslem society in Indonesia. Istiqlal has developed being one of center study of Islam, center of religious activities, and center of national charity or zakat nasional. Many religious celebration holidays, Iedul Adha and Iedul Fitri was centered at Istiqlal Mosque. President of United States, Barrack Husain Obama and his wife visited to Istiqlal at the end of 2010. They walked around and accompanied by leader of Istiqlal Mosque, KH Ali Mustafa Yakub.
