RRI.CO.ID, Nusantara – The inaugural congregational dawn prayer at the Nusantara National Mosque in Indonesia’s new capital city (IKN) was held peacefully in the early morning of Sunday, January 11, 2026. Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, KH. Nasaruddin Umar, led the prayer as both imam and khatib.

The prayer was followed by a sermon on Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 30, which discusses Allah’s command to the angels about appointing humans as His representatives on Earth. The message highlights the responsibility to manage, develop, and protect the Earth through sustainable actions aligned with worship and devotion.

After delivering the sermon, Nasaruddin Umar, along with IKN Authority Head Basuki Hadimuljono, inspected the mosque’s operational readiness, especially ahead of Ramadan and the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

Located within Nusantara’s religious precinct, the National Mosque spans four floors plus two mezzanine levels. Covering 76,647 square meters, it can accommodate up to 29,095 worshippers, with plans for future expansion to host up to 60,000 attendees as community activity grows in Nusantara.

During the inspection, progress on the Basilica was also discussed. Once completed, the Basilica will provide a worship space for Catholics and complement the precinct’s religious facilities, which include a Christian church, a Hindu temple (Pura), and a Buddhist temple (Vihara).

Minister Nasaruddin Umar emphasized support for IKN’s development, noting that the National Mosque and other interfaith facilities represent Nusantara as an inclusive capital reflecting Indonesia’s diversity. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will also establish offices in Nusantara as the central government relocates to the new capital.

“With this, we can accelerate our office activities here. It is our pride, and the sooner the world sees it, the better. God willing, it will reflect President’s vision for Nusantara as an iconic representation of Indonesia. Many people still don’t understand what IKN looks like now, but seeing it firsthand shows the preparations made,” Nasaruddin said.

“We are also utilizing Indonesia’s most beautiful mosque, the Nusantara National Mosque, ahead of Ramadan and the President’s upcoming visit. We are checking the mosque’s readiness so that it can be fully operational for the holy month,” he added.

The mosque’s operations form part of Nusantara’s readiness as both a center of government activity and a hub for social, spiritual, and cultural interaction. Its construction also reflects inclusivity principles.

As a new landmark for religious activity in the capital, the National Mosque is expected to foster a peaceful, productive, and modern religious atmosphere, offering space for communities from across Indonesia to worship and interact.