RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The inauguration of Istiqlal Mosque in Houston has been hailed as a landmark achievement for Indonesia's Muslim diaspora, symbolizing both unity and religious diplomacy abroad.

Indonesian Ambassador to the United States, Indroyono Soesilo, emphasized that the newly inaugurated Istiqlal Mosque in Houston serves not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of unity and a bridge of religious diplomacy for Indonesian Muslims abroad.

“We hope that the Istiqlal Mosque in Houston, though far from Jakarta, will carry the same spirit for the Muslim community in America,” Ambassador Indroyono said in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Imam Muthahhir Arif expressed gratitude to the Indonesian diaspora for their dedication in realizing the mosque’s construction. He noted that the diaspora’s role was crucial in turning the vision into reality for Muslims in Houston.

Muthahhir stressed that the mosque embodies the harmonious spirit of Islam practiced in Indonesia, serving as a showcase of peaceful, tolerant, and inclusive values. He pledged to make the mosque not only a place of worship but also a center for education and intercultural dialogue.

“This mosque is a symbol of unity, a place to strengthen faith, uphold harmonious Islam, and nurture the younger generation to carry Islam into the future with noble character,” he said.

He also underlined the moral and social responsibility of Muslims to support converts, ensuring they feel welcomed and guided in their spiritual journey.

The Istiqlal Mosque Houston was officially inaugurated by Ambassador Indroyono on February 7, 2026, after more than 12 years of effort by the Indonesian American Muslim Community (IAMC) and the Indonesian Consulate General in Houston.

Muthahhir Arif, who earned his doctorate in Islamic Studies from Indonesian Muslim University (UMI) Makassar, has been active as a preacher in the United States for a decade and has served as the mosque’s Grand Imam since 2024. ***