Indonesian Mosque Council to Construct 10 Mosques in Gaza after Ceasefire

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The Indonesian Council of Mosques (DMI) has committed to build 10 semi-permanent mosques in Gaza, following the recent ceasefire in the region.

DMI Chairman Jusuf Kalla (JK) said in a statement here on Saturday (1/25) that this initiative was taken as a form of solidarity with the Palestinian Muslim community affected by the prolonged conflict.

“Spiritual life is an important part that must be restored, especially for people who are facing difficult times like this,” he said during a limited meeting with a number of administrators of the Indonesian Council of Mosques at JK's private residence on Jalan Brawijaya No. 6 Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, Saturday.

He expects some of the mosques that will be built in refugee camps in Gaza can already be used in Ramadan 1446 Hijri.

Therefore, on Saturday afternoon JK directly communicated with representatives of Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, to ensure the implementation of this program runs smoothly. They are also expected to immediately determine the location of the semi-permanent mosque.

The statement also stated that the ceasefire is an important momentum for the Palestinian people. It has given new hope for a more permanent peace.

However, the conflict over the past 15 months has destroyed vital infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, including houses, schools, hospitals, water and electricity networks, and houses of worship, both mosques and churches.