TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs is planning to distribute revitalization aid funds to a total of 2,000 mosques and musallas (prayer rooms) under the 'Friendly Mosque' 2024 Program to promote inclusive houses of worship.

"We have already disbursed the aid funds for the first phase of the Friendly Mosque 2024 Program in January," the ministry's Director of Islamic Religious Affairs and Sharia Guidance, Adib, noted in a statement received in Jakarta on Sunday.

Adib explained that the ministry is aiming to distribute aid funds of Rp15 million (US$961) and Rp10 million (US$641) for each mosque and musalla, respectively, in a bid to help them improve their tools and equipment.

The funds, he added, are expected to encourage managers of mosques and musallas to pave the way for the realization of houses of worship that are friendly to women and children, persons with disabilities, elderly, environment, diversity, the poor, and travelers.

"This program is expected to support the revitalization of mosques in the hope of creating houses of worship that adopt professional management, adhere to a moderate view on religious understanding, have friendlier ecosystems, and be able to empower their congregation," he pointed out.

Adib further noted that the Friendly Mosque 2024 Program was not the only program prepared by his office, as the ministry is planning to execute various programs and activities this year.

He said the programs and activities include Conflict Resolution Schools and Agents (SPARK) Program, International Symposium on Innovative Mosque 2024, digitization of 5,000 titles of Islamic books, as well as ISLAMIFEST, a religious festival that aims to introduce the appeal of Islam to youngsters.

"Additionally, we are striving to augment the quality of Islamic services offered in religious affairs offices," he concluded.

ANTARA

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