China Space at Istiqlal Mosque: Stepping Up Muslim Diplomacy in Indonesia

Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo by Alamy

This article is co-authored by Yeta Purnama, a researcher at the Center of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS), and Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, Director of the China-Indonesia Desk at CELIOS.

On September 5, 2024, the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia launched what it calls the “China Space” at the Istiqlal Mosque Library in Jakarta: a space designed to be a vibrant cultural and educational centre. It will host Mandarin language classes, provide a reading area, and offer various programs aimed at promoting cultural exchange. 

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by Yeta Purnama

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