Indonesia is an archipelago consisting ofseventeen thousand islands that straddle the equator in the Indian Ocean. The Republic of Indonesia has the largest economy in Southeast Asia and its capital, Jakarta, is an immense metropolis with a population of nine million. An additional two million hold jobs in the city, a further sign of the city’s booming economy. If you are travelling to Indonesia on business, Ascott Kuningan Jakarta is conveniently located in the heart of the central business district. Though the city itself is not a big tourist destination, it provides a gateway to other more popular Indonesian destinations. If you do happen to stay a few days; find yourself a service apartment, Jakarta has several options, and you will not be disappointed.
Indonesia is influenced by many ethnicities, with as many as three hundred languages being spoken across the country. It is also home to the world’s largest Muslim community. As a result, this group of islands is home to some of the most magnificent mosques in the world. They hold great significance today and paint a picture of how history has shaped the county we see today. The carefully thought out designs and intricate details place several mosques on the must-see list while in Indonesia.
The Stiqlal Mosque sits right in centre of the capital. Designed by a Christian architect, Frederich Silaban and built in 1951, its design is indicative of the time of its construction. The large prayer halls and courtyards can accommodate over a hundred thousand worshippers, making it the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia. The Baiturrahman Great Mosque boasts seven grand domes today but when it was first built during Sultanate of Aceh, in the 19th century it had just one dome. The Sumenep Great Mosque on Madura Island in East Java is one of Indonesia’s oldest mosques and the biggest on the island. It was built by the Panembahan Somala family who ruled in the 1770’s. It is painted in bright shades of yellow and draws influence from European and Chinese architecture.
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.
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