The First Indonesian Mosque in London
A long-standing dream of the Indonesian diaspora in the UK — now coming to life.
Roots in Community (Until December 1995)
Before 1996, religious gatherings for Indonesian Muslims in the UK took place at the Indonesian Embassy, private homes, and study groups in London and beyond. Over time, this communal spirit sparked a hope: a mosque of their own.
The Indonesian Islamic Society Sparks the Vision (5 January 1996)
Driven by religious activists and community leaders—and with backing from the Embassy and Indonesian state enterprises—the Indonesian Islamic Society (IIS) was established. A dedicated Mosque Building Committee soon formed, entirely focused on fundraising and property scouting.
Building Momentum (1996–2003)
Over seven years, the committee gathered support from diverse donors:
- Pertamina HQ (Indonesia)
- PT Pelindo II
- Ministry of Religious Affairs (Minister Tarmizi Taher)
- Pertamina London branch
- PT Permindo Oil Trading
- H.E. J.E. Habibie (Ambassador, 1993–97)
- A house bequeathed by Abu Hasan (a regular community member)
- Regular donations from Embassy staff and numerous ‘Pengajian’ across the UK
Becoming the Indonesian Islamic Centre (2004–2006)
- 3 January 2004 – IIC was officially formed.
- 1 September 2004 – Registered with the British Charity Commission (Reg. No. 1105685).
- 18 March 2006 – IIS dissolved, with all its assets transferred to IIC.
Founding Trustees: Ujang Satibi Sadeli (late), KH Nahduddin Royandi Abbas (late), Asyari Usman, Nurdin Ibrahim (late), Memet Purnama Hasan (late), Djamal Djamalullail.
Online, Accountable & Active (2014–2022)
- 2014 – Launched www.iic-london.com to reach global supporters.
- Since 2016 – Financials prepared by UK auditors to meet charity standards (income beyond £25K/year).
- Fundraising and engagement events included embassy study groups, KIBAR gatherings, Quran classes, bazaars, Ramadan campaigns, and mosque waqf drives.
Children Quran Classes
A Historic Turning Point (25 November 2022)
After nearly 30 years of perseverance—and several missed pitches—2022 marked the breakthrough.
- Morning of 25 Nov 2022 – Trustees Memet Purnama Hasan and Djamal Djamalulail signed the purchase contract for the new mosque site.
- By 7 pm – The keys were officially handed over. The property is now legally owned by Indonesian Islamic Centre and, inshaAllah, will soon welcome worshippers as London’s first Indonesian mosque.
