Jakarta (ANTARA News)- The number of mosques in Indonesia has increased significantly, according to M Jusuf Kalla, the Vice President concurrently Chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Council.

"Only God knows the exact number of mosques in Indonesia. It was mentioned in several speeches that the number is one million, surely everyone believes it. I always say 800 thousand. But, it`s probably one million. This is amazing development," Kalla said in his opening address during the national coordinating meeting of Muslimat NU, a women`s wing of NU (Nahdlatul Ulama), the country`s largest Muslim organization), here, Sunday evening.

With 800 thousand mosques, it means one mosque for 225 Muslims, he said.

Mosques are now available everywhere, such as in malls, offices and schools, he remarked.

A mall having a mosque attracts more Muslim buyers, he added.

"Nowadays, a mall is more attractive when it has a big mosque on its upper floor, so visitors could perform mass Friday prayer or maghrib (after sunset) prayer. We are grateful that Indonesia is changing excellently," he said.

Nearly 90 percent of Indonesia`s 260 million population are Muslims.

Reporting by Rangga PAJ, fardah

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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