Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – The Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI) is planning to build 100 mosques in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, in response to the urgent need of the people of Gaza, especially with the approach of the holy month of Ramadan.
Former Indonesian Vice President, Muhammad Jusuf Kalla (JK), who is currently Chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Management Council (DMI), pointed out the importance of informing the Indonesian community about the situation in Gaza. He revealed that more than 1,000 mosques in Gaza have been destroyed by Israel in a year and a half.
“In order to support the people of Gaza, we will build semi-permanent mosques. With this truce, the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI) is committed to helping rebuild places of worship that people have lost,” Jusuf Kalla said in a statement to Indonesia Today on Monday (27/1/2025) at the office of the Indonesian Mosque Council.
As a first step, the Indonesian Mosque Council will build 10 semi-permanent mosques, with the total number reaching 100 mosques.
Jusuf Kalla expressed his hope that worshippers in Indonesia will contribute their zakat and charity, ranging from 5-10% of their financial capacity, to support the construction of mosques in Gaza, adding: “We have coordinated with the relevant authorities in Gaza and will determine how to implement the construction process.”
Especially during the month of Ramadan, Jusuf Kalla encouraged worshippers in Indonesia to participate in this program, given the great destruction of homes and mosques in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict.
The Indonesian Mosque Council has also contacted Muhammadiyah regarding this project. The cost of building 100 semi-permanent mosques is estimated at between IDR 30-40 billion.
Jusuf Kalla concluded his statement by saying: “I hope the community will participate in supporting the construction of semi-permanent mosques in Gaza.”