Russia Opens Russian Space at Istiqlal Mosque Library

Russia opened the Russian Space educational and cultural room at the library of Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Friday (6/11) as part of efforts to strengthen religious diplomacy with Indonesia. The inauguration was attended by Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, and Chairman of the Russian Muslim Spiritual Board Mufti Albir Krganov. The room contains a collection of books, albums, an exhibition of mosque photos in Russia, distinctive Russian decorations and Islamic ornaments. Tolchenov said religion is one important element in the strategic partnership between Indonesia and Russia agreed by Vladimir Putin and Prabowo Subianto in 2025. Krganov said Istiqlal was chosen because it is not only a place of worship but also an educational center, and he opened the possibility of a similar space to introduce Indonesia at one of the mosques in Russia.