Sabilal Muhtadin Mosque to be Designed As Madinah

By Ulul Maskuriah

Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan (Antaranews) - South Kalimantan government plans to expand Sabilal Muhtadhin mosque buildings like Madinah mosque to be able to accommodate all the pilgrims whose numbers continue to grow.

Head of South Kalimantan Public Works Agency Martinus here on Wednesday said that in recent years, it often get complaints that the capacity of the mosque not sufficient anymore. "That why we program to expand this largest mosque in South Kalimantan, in accordance with the development of the number of pilgrims," he said.

The concept, he said, is currently under discussion and need more in-depth study involving various parties, including the mosque management. One concept is to add a new building in the courtyard of the mosque , among others, by putting up an electrical umbrella roof in Sabilal Muhtadin Mosque, as in Madinah.

"We're preparing consultant planners , maybe the courtyard of the mosque will be added with some electric umbrella roof. This concept is still being studied," he said.

According to Martinus, the use of the umbrella roof just like the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah require substantial funds. It also need a great use of electricity, as the umbrella requires approximately 500 KVA electrical power to open and close. It also needed extra care. So concepts and meticulous discussion is necessary. Thus, the development ultimately not to be burdening all parties in a variety of ways.

In addition plans to build an electrical umbrella roof , South Kalimantan provincial government also plans to expand the area of  the courtyard of the great mosque.