Indonesian Muslims Create Islamic Boarding Schools and Mosques in Japan

The Indonesian Muslim community and NU cadres in Japan are building an Islamic boarding school in Koga and the MINA mosque.

KBRI TOKYO

The Indonesian Ambassador to Tokyo Heri Akhmadi inaugurated the At-Taqwa Islamic Boarding School in Koga, Japan, on Friday (3/5/2024).

TOKYO, SATURDAY – Indonesia's first Islamic boarding school in Japan, At-Taqwa, was officially established in Koga, Ibaraki Prefecture. At-Taqwa Islamic Boarding School is one of the vehicles for cultural diplomacy and approaches between the Indonesian-Japanese population.

Indonesian Ambassador to Tokyo Heri Akhmadi said that cadres of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and the Indonesian Muslim community in Japan worked together to build the Islamic boarding school. "Parties from outside Japan also support it," he said, Saturday (4/5/2024), in Tokyo.

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A pesantren was inaugurated on Friday in Koga. The NU Central Board sent KH Miftah Faqih, KH Muhammad Faesal, KH Ahmad Syarif Munawi, and KH Amir Ma'ruf for the inauguration.

"I hope this pesantren can become a center of education for the young generation of Indonesians who are currently in Japan, including economic activities for its operational independence," said Heri, who is also the Mustasyar of the Special Branch Management of Nadhlatul Ulama (PCINU) in Japan.

KBRI TOKYO

Inauguration of the At-Taqwa Islamic Boarding School in Koga, Japan, on Friday (3/5/2024).

He also hopes that the Islamic boarding school can become one of the cultural bridges between Indonesia and Japan. Diplomacy and efforts to strengthen Indonesia-Japan relations can also be carried out through cultural and religious channels.

The chairman of PCINU Japan, Achmad Gazali, said that pesantren buildings intentionally follow the appearance of surrounding buildings. This is part of showing respect for local culture. This choice also makes it easier for pesantren to be accepted in Japan.

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The land for the Islamic boarding school will start to be purchased in early 2023. Meanwhile, the construction process will begin in August 2023. "Initially, this was the house and land of residents," said Achmad.

Community development isn't just about funding. The Indonesian Muslim community and NU Japan cadre have repeatedly collaborated on cleaning up the area around the pesantren. They have also worked together multiple times to complete the construction of the pesantren. This collaborative effort was carried out on weekends through joint community service.

KBRI TOKYO

Visit of the Indonesian Ambassador to Tokyo Heri Akhmadi (center) to the Nagoya Indonesian Mosque in Japan on April 28 2024.

Even though it has been inaugurated, the construction process is not completely finished. "We still need several more rooms and facilities," said Heri.

He also hopes that PCINU Japan can become a partner of KBRI Tokyo, specifically for the protection and assistance of Indonesian citizens in Japan. This is because the number of Indonesian citizens in Japan continues to increase.

Mosque

Indonesia's cultural and religious diplomacy platform in Japan is not limited to Pesantren At-Taqwa. In Nagoya City, the Indonesian Nagoya Mosque (MINA) is currently being built.

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It is hoped that the three-story mosque will not only be a place of worship. "Make MINA not only a place of worship and da'wah, but also social activities, education and a space for friendship. "Including being a driver of the people's economy," said Heri.

KBRI TOKYO

Visit of the Ambassador and officials from the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo to the Nagoya Indonesian Mosque in Japan on April 28 2024.

The mosque is close to Nagoya Castle, one of the popular tourist destinations in central Japan. The construction process of MINA is expected to be completed by March 2025. Similar to Pesantren At-Taqwa, land procurement and construction of MINA are also carried out together through mutual cooperation. The Indonesian Muslim community in Japan and outside of Japan jointly contribute to the construction funds.