JAKARTA: Authorities in Indonesia have expressed their gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its commitment to pay for the renovation of the Jakarta Islamic Center.
The announcement, made earlier this month by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reaffirmed the important and close ties between the two countries. The iconic dome of a large mosque located in the JIC was destroyed by a significant fire that began in late October.
The Saudi foreign ministry said the planned restoration "affirms their keenness and interest in Islamic centers in all brotherly and friendly countries." The crown prince announced earlier this month that the kingdom would fund the restoration of the centre.
Also Read: Militants are defeated by Somali troops to end the hotel siege
According to the center's management, financial assistance from Saudi Arabia is expected to accelerate the restoration process, which could take up to five years without any help.
"We greatly appreciate the assistance of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman," according to JIC management spokesman Paimun Abdul Karim. We are grateful beyond measure as this will speed up the restoration process.
"Their work demonstrates the unity of Muslim nations. Saudi Arabia's plan to assist demonstrates the good relations between the Saudi and Indonesian governments and will greatly benefit us. Strengthens JIC's ties with Saudi Arabia and the Middle East." Doing." It's just another way of doing it." Through diplomacy.
Also Read: Experts: Australia's Great Barrier Reef efforts fall short
With the complex housing not only a grand mosque but also a research study center and a conference hall that hosts various events and gatherings, the JIC's work has focused on promoting tolerant and moderate Islam.
According to Arab News, Indonesia's Consul General in Jeddah Eko Hartono, Saudi Arabia's aid "reaffirmed the closeness of friendly relations" between Jakarta and Riyadh.
"Saudi Arabia's support also confirms the country's commitment to supporting the Muslim world and promoting the glory of Islam around the world, including Indonesia," he continued.
According to Marzuki Abubakar, a researcher and lecturer at Ar-Raniri State Islamic University in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country, the kingdom has always had a close relationship.
Arab News quoted him as saying: "Islam in Indonesia undoubtedly has its own distinctive features that have attracted the world's attention, and given rise to campaigns of religious tolerance and moderation, which are also important to Saudi Arabia.
Also Read: Top media outlets call on the US to stop prosecuting Julian Assange
Saudi Arabia's involvement in promoting initiatives for tolerance and moderation, such as the Jakarta Islamic Center, has thus become important.