Qatar Donors to Build Tourism Mosque in Selabintana, Sukabumi

Rudi Tanjung Kabiro Sukabumi 

SUKABUMI|IdeNew.id - Residents of Selabintana Wetan, Sudajayagirang Village, Sukabumi Regency, will soon have a new landmark mosque. Funded by donors from Qatar, the tourism-oriented Jami Mosque is scheduled for construction in September 2026.

Village Head Edi Juarsah said the project has been a long journey.

"Since early 2026, together with local figures including Dr. H. Unang Sudarma, Chairman of BAZNAS Sukabumi Regency, we have planned a proper and representative Jami mosque for Selabintana Wetan. The Muslim population here is growing, but we lacked adequate worship facilities," Edi said in his office on Monday, August 14, 2026.

The mosque will be built on land owned by KUD Makmur. According to KUD Makmur Chairman Dr. H. Unang Sudarma, 1,000 square meters of land has been designated as waqf for the village government, while 800 square meters was granted to the Merah Putih Village Cooperative.

"We formalized the waqf transfer in an Extraordinary General Meeting last May, attended by all parties and residents," Unang said. The mosque building itself will measure 20 by 30 meters.

From Proposal to Qatar

Edi explained that the initial proposal was distributed widely despite limited funds. A breakthrough came three months ago when a volunteer, Abah Hamzah, a senior journalist from PWI Sukabumi Regency, offered to help.

Hamzah connected the village with H. Cecep, who has strong networks with businessmen and philanthropists in the Middle East. Assisted by three colleagues - Dedy, Iwan, and Jamal - Cecep brought the proposal directly to Qatar and Mecca.

H. Cecep said he submitted the request personally.

"I convinced them that the Muslim population in Indonesia, especially in Selabintana, is disproportionately large compared to existing places of worship. Their aid had previously focused on Palestine and Africa, but they responded positively," he said.

According to Cecep, the funding comes from private business earnings allocated as Zakat Fisabilillah.

To verify the project, the donors sent Abed S. Baghazal from Qatar/Mecca to inspect the site in Selabintana Wetan directly. After verification and land measurement, the project was approved.

Unang added that the mosque is expected to serve not only local residents but also tourists visiting the Selabintana area.