Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono stressed the importance of maintaining the Dharmasraya Grand Mosque, West Sumatra, so its benefits could last for a long time.

“Our expectation is that with the completion of this construction, first and foremost is on its maintenance, because after all, maintenance is not easy. It is harder than the construction process,” he stated on Friday.

The minister delivered the remark at the inauguration of the Dharmasraya Grand Mosque on Jalan Lintas Sumatra Nagari Gunung Medan, Sitiung Sub-district, Dharmasraya District, West Sumatra.

He cited Istiqlal Mosque as an example on maintenance, and the government, through the ministry, took part in addressing the problem at the time.

Hadimuljono highlighted the aspect of cleanliness.

In addition, he suggested for proper maintenance of the infrastructure, both the Grand Mosque and the government-built infrastructure.

He said the mosque was maintained through collaborative efforts between the Dharmasraya government and the central government, and the building was funded through the regional budget while upkeep of the landscape or garden was through the state budget.

On the occasion, the minister said he was in awe of the Dharmasraya Grand Mosque designed with green building principles, as he felt the cool breeze passing through the room despite the lack of air conditioning.

Head of Dharmasraya District Sutan Riska Tuanku Kerajaan said the construction had started since 2018, and the project took up Rp103 billion from the regional budget.

He said that such construction was possible owing to the central government’s support through the handover of land and assistance for the construction of the mosque garden.

“Mr. Minister, the land for the Grand Mosque was formerly a central government asset. Had this been (intended to be) bought, there had been no enough regional budget. Hence, when the president visited Dharmasraya in 2018, I voiced my intention to build this mosque, and Thank God at that time Mr. Jokowi immediately said yes and asked to take care of the administrative process of assets transfer. Likewise, with the landscape development, the central government aided with approximately Rp17 billion,” he stated.

On behalf of the regional government and the people of Dharmasraya, he expressed gratitude to the minister for his willingness to inaugurate the Grand Mosque.

He expected that the minister’s visit would have a profound impact on development in the region in future.

Source: Antara News