TIMES HONGKONG, SURAKARTA – Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Jl. Ahmad Yani No.128 Gilingan, Banjarsari District, Surakarta City, Central Java, Masjid Raya Sheikh Zayed Solo stands tall not just as a magnificent religious monument but also as a beacon of friendship and cross-cultural tolerance.

Constructed through a collaborative effort between the Indonesian government and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Masjid Raya Sheikh Zayed Solo embodies the principle that cultural and religious diversity can coexist harmoniously. According to Bagus Sigit Setiawan, the Deputy Director of Operations at Masjid Raya Sheikh Zayed Solo, the mosque serves as a meeting point for individuals from various backgrounds, fostering dialogue and understanding across cultures and religions.

Moreover, the mosque's library regularly hosts discussions on religious and cultural relations, engaging stakeholders from diverse communities, including representatives from different religious groups. This commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue contributes to the mosque's role as a symbol of moderation and friendship.

Architecturally, Masjid Raya Sheikh Zayed Solo is a testament to the idea that spiritual beauty and cultural richness can merge seamlessly. Spanning 8,000 square meters, the mosque is a replica of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE, while also incorporating local architectural elements, such as its main floor adorned with traditional batik motifs.

As a religious tourism destination, Masjid Raya Sheikh Zayed Solo attracts visitors from around the globe. With its stunning architecture and cultural diversity reflected in its design, the mosque can accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers at once.

Beyond serving as a place of worship, the mosque offers facilities that cater to the needs of the disabled, children, pregnant women, and utilizes technology to enhance services, such as the use of lifts for better accessibility.

Additionally, Masjid Raya Sheikh Zayed Solo has partnered with the UAE government to introduce QRIS donation boxes, providing worshippers with the option to donate conventionally or digitally.

With these innovative initiatives, the mosque not only sets an example of diversity and tolerance but also demonstrates the use of technology to improve services for worshippers.

According to the Solo Tourism and Culture Department, in 2023 alone, Masjid Raya Sheikh Zayed Solo welcomed over three million visitors, making it the top tourist attraction in the region.

Embark on a journey to Masjid Raya Sheikh Zayed Solo, where cultural harmony and spiritual serenity converge, inviting visitors to explore the beauty of unity in diversity. (*)