Indonesian Citizens Build Indonesian Mosque in Chiba, Japan

Chiba, MINA – Indonesian citizens residing in Chiba, Japan, are building an Indonesian community mosque. However, the mosque still requires additional funds to renovate a former factory building into a proper place of worship and community center.

Chairman of the Indonesian Muslim Community in Japan (KMII Japan), Muhammad Muharram Hidayat, said the presence of a mosque has become a necessity not only as a place of worship but also as a social and community hub.

“We have given our full support from the licensing process, during the purchase, and in spreading information for fundraising to acquire and renovate the site,” Hidayat said in his statement on Monday, as cited by RRI.co.id.

Currently, there are 41 mosques in Japan managed by Indonesian citizens, all coordinated under the Indonesian Mosque Board supervised by KMII Japan.

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According to Muharram, Islamic outreach (dakwah) in Japan must be carried out with wisdom, good example, and respect for cultural values and local laws.

“Islam teaches us to be a mercy to all creation, including by showing good character to the society wherever we live,” he said.

Hidayat emphasized that Islamic outreach in Japan should always highlight noble character (akhlakul karimah), as well as promote tolerance, discipline, and positive social contribution.

“This is what will preserve harmony and strengthen the positive image of Muslims in Japan,” he added.

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The Indonesian Asahi Mosque stands on a 560-square-meter plot with a 280-square-meter building. The mosque was converted from a former factory building.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Indonesian Asahi Mosque Construction Committee, Malik Abdul Aziz, expressed his gratitude for the full support from KMII Japan.

“The total cost for the land and building was ¥7.8 million, which has been fully paid off, Alhamdulillah. Currently, our focus is on renovation, which is estimated at around ¥10 million, and so far, ¥3.5 million has been collected,” Malik said.

He also thanked KMII Japan for its continuous support since the early stages of administration and fundraising. The funds were collected through social media campaigns, Friday prayer visits to various mosques as far as Nagoya and Osaka, as well as through KMII Japan events and Indonesian festivals.

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“Support has also come from influencers in both Japan and Indonesia, such as Okehore, Pakde Jepang, Metomeya Ning, and Kanan Kiriwow,” Malik added.

The Indonesian Asahi Mosque in Chiba is an officially registered Indonesian community mosque under Ippan Shadan Houjin (Foundation) KMII Japan.

There are around 1,000 Indonesians living in Asahi, Chōshi, Sōsa, and the surrounding areas. The Indonesian Asahi Mosque is located at 4083 Ashikawa, Asahi-shi, Chiba-ken.

“This mosque is not only a place for prayer but also a center for social activities, such as the IMACHI Berbagi program and beach clean-up actions, serving as a form of soft da’wah to Japanese society,” Malik said.[]

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MINA (Mi’raj News Agency)