Nusantara, Indonesia – In a landmark moment for the burgeoning capital city, the Negara Mosque in Indonesia’s Nusantara (IKN) held its inaugural Tarawih prayers on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marking the official opening of the mosque for religious observance during the holy month of Ramadan. Thousands of worshippers from across East Kalimantan province gathered for the historic event, signifying the mosque’s emergence as a central hub for religious activity and community cohesion in the novel capital.
The opening of the Negara Mosque represents a significant step in the development of IKN, President Joko Widodo’s ambitious project to relocate Indonesia’s capital from Jakarta to Borneo. The move aims to reduce the burden on Jakarta, which suffers from overcrowding, pollution, and sinking land, and to promote more equitable regional development. The mosque, a key component of the city’s infrastructure, is designed to accommodate a substantial congregation and serve as a focal point for the growing Muslim community in Nusantara. The project underscores the Indonesian government’s commitment to fostering a religiously inclusive environment within the new capital city.
A Historic First: Tarawih Prayers at the Negara Mosque
The atmosphere at the Negara Mosque was described as vibrant and deeply spiritual as worshippers gathered for the first Tarawih prayers. Footage from a live broadcast on the IKN Indonesia YouTube channel showed the main prayer hall filled with devotees, with men positioned on the right side behind the Imam and women on the left. The mosque’s interior features a color scheme of brown and gold, accented by ornate golden calligraphy of the names of Allah and Muhammad flanking the Imam’s position. The live stream of the event provided a glimpse into the momentous occasion for those unable to attend in person.
Prior to the Tarawih prayers, Vice Minister of Religious Affairs, Romo Muhammad Syafi’i, confirmed the mosque’s readiness for use during Ramadan. He conducted a site visit on February 12, 2026, and led a dawn prayer service, ensuring all preparations were complete for the influx of worshippers. “We are grateful that today we can work and carry out this review. This review we do to ensure the readiness of the mosque, especially ahead of the planned implementation of Tarawih prayers at the beginning of Ramadan in the IKN area,” Syafi’i stated, as reported by IKN’s official website.
Capacity and Design of the Negara Mosque
The Negara Mosque is designed to be a landmark structure, capable of accommodating a large number of worshippers. Initial capacity is estimated at around 29,000 people, with plans for expansion to accommodate up to 60,000 congregants in the future. The mosque’s construction is part of the first phase of development, with a total project cost of Rp 991 billion (approximately $61.3 million USD as of February 18, 2026, based on prevailing exchange rates). Tender Indonesia reports that the mosque is intended to be a central religious hub within the new capital city.
Beyond its capacity, the mosque’s design incorporates elements intended to foster a sense of community and spiritual connection. The surrounding area features a “Ramadan Plaza,” designed to provide space for community activities and gatherings during the holy month, further strengthening the mosque’s role as a social and economic center. The architectural details, including the golden calligraphy and the color scheme, are intended to create a serene and inspiring atmosphere for prayer and reflection.
A Message of Unity and Spiritual Renewal
The inaugural Tarawih prayers were not only a religious observance but also a symbolic moment of unity for the diverse communities converging in Nusantara. Ustad Irfan Rosady, a cleric from the East Kalimantan Ministry of Religious Affairs, delivered a tausiyah (religious lecture) emphasizing the importance of sincere intention in worship and daily life. “Let us correct our intentions. Because if we are wrong in carrying out our lives and worship, then be prepared to fall into the valley of humiliation, therefore let us strengthen and straighten our intentions in carrying out Ramadan,” Rosady urged the congregation.
Attendees expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to worship in the newly completed mosque. Shakira, a resident of Sepaku, shared her excitement, stating, “I am incredibly enthusiastic to worship at the Negara Mosque. I did not expect the state mosque to be this magnificent.” This sentiment reflects the broader sense of anticipation and hope surrounding the development of IKN and its potential to become a thriving, modern, and religiously vibrant city.
Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, is scheduled to lead Tarawih prayers and deliver a tausiyah on the second day of Ramadan, 1447 H, further solidifying the mosque’s position as a central religious institution in Nusantara.
Key Takeaways
- The Negara Mosque in IKN held its first Tarawih prayers on February 18, 2026, officially opening its doors to the public.
- The mosque has an initial capacity of 29,000 worshippers, with plans to expand to 60,000.
- The opening signifies a major milestone in the development of IKN as a modern and religiously inclusive capital city.
- The event brought together thousands of worshippers from across East Kalimantan, fostering a sense of unity and community.
As Nusantara continues to take shape, the Negara Mosque is poised to play a vital role in the spiritual and social life of its residents. The next significant event will be Minister Umar’s address on the second day of Ramadan, offering further insight into the government’s vision for religious life in the new capital. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences as IKN evolves and becomes a home for communities from across Indonesia and beyond.