Menag Inaugurates Groundbreaking of New Mosque at PIK, New Islamic Center
A significant event took place as Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, along with Agung Sedayu Group (ASG) owner Sugianto Kusuma or Aguan, officially inaugurated the groundbreaking of Masjid Al Ikhlas construction at Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) 2, North Jakarta, on Friday (7/3/2025).
This ceremony marks the initial step towards constructing a larger place of worship in the PIK area. The forthcoming Masjid Al Ikhlas, set to be built on a 2,400 square meter land, is designed to accommodate around 600 congregants with an estimated construction cost of Rp 45 billion. The mosque’s architecture embraces the Islamic Classical Architecture concept, blending classic and modern elements to create a spiritually comforting ambiance. The construction is projected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Minister Nasaruddin Umar emphasized the significance of mosques as places to strengthen the community, providing broader benefits. He expressed his hope for Masjid Al Ikhlas to not only serve as a place of worship but also as a hub for activities involving all layers of society, encompassing both Muslim and non-Muslim individuals.
“In the time of the Prophet, mosques served as meeting places, art showcases, martial arts training centers, and even spaces for planning military strategies,” Nasaruddin Umar stated, as quoted on Saturday (8/3/2025).
Furthermore, Minister Umar highlighted that Masjid Al Ikhlas is not the sole mosque planned for construction in PIK. It is the fourth mosque to be built in the PIK area, with future plans for the development of the Masjid Agung Asadiyah in PIK, boasting a capacity of 5,000 worshippers and serving as an Islamic Center.
### Embracing Diversity and Social Responsibility
Nono Sampono, the Chief Executive Officer of Agung Sedayu Group, elucidated that the mosque’s construction is part of a multi-faith concept involving four places of worship, including mosques, churches, temples, and shrines, symbolizing tolerance and harmony among different religious communities.
In addition to the mosque’s groundbreaking, Agung Sedayu Group displayed its commitment to social responsibility by distributing 1,000 packages of basic necessities to orphans, janitors, and workers in the vicinity of the PIK area.
With the presence of the mosque and the Islamic Center construction plan, ASG aims to meet the growing worship facility needs of the evolving community in PIK while reinforcing the values of diversity and tolerance in Indonesia.
Nono also confirmed the upcoming construction plans for a larger mosque with a capacity of 5,000 congregants, expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
### Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Agung Sedayu Group envisions a future where the new mosque and Islamic Center in PIK will not only serve as places of worship but also as platforms for fostering unity, cooperation, and mutual respect among individuals of varying backgrounds. The endeavor seeks to create a harmonious environment that celebrates diversity and promotes interfaith dialogue, contributing to the social fabric of Indonesia.
Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, delivering a Friday sermon and providing guidance during the groundbreaking ceremony of Masjid Al-Ikhlas PIK, Riverwalk Island PIK, Tangerang, Banten, on Friday (7/3/2025), reiterated the importance of communal spaces that encourage community engagement, shared learning, and collective growth.
The inauguration of the mosque’s construction signifies a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to nurture inclusive spaces that foster unity, compassion, and understanding among diverse groups, heralding a new chapter in the journey towards a more harmonious and interconnected society.
The event served as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of faith, unity, and collaboration in building bridges across cultural divides and nurturing a shared sense of belonging and purpose within communities. As the sun set on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the construction site, it illuminated a beacon of hope and promise for a future where acceptance, respect, and cooperation reign supreme.
Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar’s words resonated with the audience, echoing the sentiments of unity, compassion, and solidarity that underpin the vision for a more inclusive and harmonious society. With each nail hammered into place, each brick laid with care, and each prayer whispered in the gentle breeze, the foundations of a brighter future were being laid, brick by brick, heart by heart, in the sacred soil of PIK.
