KAI Inaugurates Mosque and Luxury Waiting Lounge at Semarang Tawang Station

As part of KAI's commitment to providing the best possible transportation services to the public, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) officially inaugurated a mosque at Semarang Tawang Station on Tuesday (19/04).

The inauguration ceremony for the mosque, named Al-Istiqomah, was attended by KAI's Board of Directors and the management of KAI Operation Area 4 (Daop 4) Semarang. The ceremony was officiated by KAI President Director Didiek Hartantyo together with Semarang Deputy Mayor Hevearita G. Rahayu.

Didiek said that although Indonesia is still facing the COVID-19 pandemic, KAI remains committed to providing this facility to enrich the collection of mosques in the city of Semarang. The facility is also intended to enable train passengers to perform their prayers comfortably during their journey.

The Al-Istiqomah Mosque was built by KAI's subsidiary, KAI Properti, featuring a modern architectural design with a Middle Eastern theme and a magnificent structure that provides greater comfort for worshippers. The name *Al-Istiqomah* comes from Arabic and means "the straight path" or the effort to consistently uphold goodness.

Didiek explained that the name was chosen as both a symbol and a prayer, hoping that it will serve as a reminder for everyone to consistently follow Allah's guidance, carry out His commands with istiqomah (steadfastness), and perform their work with the same consistency. He added that by doing everything with istiqomah, God willing, all efforts will be made easier and blessed by Allah SWT.

"May Allah help KAI recover during this pandemic so that we can continue providing the greatest possible benefits to the public through both passenger and freight transportation services," said Didiek.

Didiek added that the mosque is expected to be well maintained and become a centre for religious activities for both the local community and railway passengers.

Meanwhile, Executive Vice President of KAI Daop 4 Semarang, Wisnu Pramudyo, explained that the mosque consists of two floors with a total area of 875 square metres and can accommodate approximately 800 worshippers. Construction began on 19 August 2020 and was completed on 9 February 2022.

"The construction of this mosque is part of the ongoing redevelopment of Semarang Tawang Station. We hope that the improvements at the station will also enhance the beauty of Semarang's Old Town area, in line with the Semarang City Government's urban revitalisation programme," said Wisnu.

The Al-Istiqomah Mosque at Semarang Tawang Station is equipped with pedestrian access, landscaped gardens, restrooms and ablution facilities for both men and women, as well as a 21-metre-high minaret.

Semarang Deputy Mayor Hevearita G. Rahayu expressed her appreciation for KAI's support in redeveloping Semarang Tawang Station, allowing it to become well integrated with the Semarang Old Town area.

As is widely known, Semarang continues to grow as one of Indonesia's tourism destinations. "With KAI's support, Semarang's position as one of Indonesia's leading tourism cities will become even stronger," said Hevearita.

She added that the mosque provides a valuable facility for tourists visiting the Semarang Old Town area, allowing them to enjoy sightseeing while still being able to perform their prayers conveniently.

On the same occasion, KAI also inaugurated the new Luxury Waiting Lounge at Semarang Tawang Station. The lounge is dedicated to Luxury Class train passengers and is equipped with boarding pass services, comfortable sofa seating, air-conditioned facilities, a reception desk, a refreshment table, handwashing facilities, and toilets.

Through the inauguration of these new facilities, KAI hopes to provide the best possible service to all train passengers while encouraging more people to choose rail transport as their preferred mode of travel. (Public Relations KAI)