Islamic Center NTB (Masjid Hubbul Wathan)

The Grandeur of Islamic Center NTB Architecture: A Symbol of Hubbul Wathan in the Heart of the Thousand Mosques Island

Standing majestically in the center of Mataram City, the Islamic Center of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), with Masjid Hubbul Wathan as its main building, is more than just a place of worship. This complex is an architectural statement that encapsulates the religious identity, the pride of the Sasak, Samawa, and Mbojo cultures, and the ambition of NTB Province to become a global religious tourism destination. Spanning 7.6 hectares, this building dominates the city's skyline and serves as a spiritual zero point for the local community.

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Design Philosophy and Local Cultural Integration

Architecturally, Masjid Hubbul Wathan adopts a mixed style between modern Middle Eastern aesthetics and traditional ornaments characteristic of West Nusa Tenggara. The name "Hubbul Wathan" itself means "Love for the Homeland," a concept visually translated through the choice of color palette and motifs.

The most striking feature is the use of bright gold and yellow colors on its main dome, combined with typical NTB batik patterns. The "Batik Sasambo" (Sasak, Samawa, Mbojo) motif is applied in great detail on the outer surface of the dome using enamel panel techniques. This creates a sharp visual contrast with Mataram's blue sky, while also affirming that Islam in NTB grows alongside local wisdom.

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Grand Structure and the Innovation of the 99 Towers

One of the most impressive technical elements of this complex is the presence of five towers surrounding the main building. The number five symbolizes the pillars of Islam. Among these five towers, there is a main tower known as the Asmaul Husna Tower with a height of exactly 99 meters.

The number 99 refers to the number of beautiful names of Allah in the Quran. This tower not only functions as structural aesthetics but also as a public facility. Visitors can ascend to the top of the tower using an elevator to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view encompassing the entire city of Mataram, the Ampenan coastline, and the grandeur of Mount Rinjani to the east. The construction of this tower uses a reinforced concrete system designed to be earthquake-resistant, considering NTB's geographical position on the ring of fire.

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Interior: A Space of Light and Peace

Upon entering the interior of Masjid Hubbul Wathan, visitors are greeted by a very spacious main prayer hall with few supporting pillars in the center, giving an impression of openness and boundlessness. The ceiling beneath the main dome is decorated with precisely crafted thuluth calligraphy, surrounding a giant crystal lamp that becomes the focal point.

The interior walls use high-quality granite material, providing a naturally cool effect. Ventilation is designed to ensure optimal air circulation without complete reliance on mechanical air conditioning. Natural light enters through geometric openings beneath the dome, creating a play of light that changes with the sun's movement, adding to the serene atmosphere for worshippers.

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Historical Context and Development

The construction of the Islamic Center NTB began during the leadership of Governor TGH M. Zainul Majdi. The project was completed and inaugurated in 2013, but the development of its interior and exterior aesthetics continued until 2016. Its construction involved collaboration between local architects and national consultants who understood the soil and climate characteristics of Lombok.

The presence of this building answers the need for a representative Islamic study center in a region nicknamed the "Thousand Mosques Island." The Islamic Center is designed to be a magnet that unifies various religious activities previously scattered across smaller mosques into one integrated entity.

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Cultural and Social Significance

The Islamic Center NTB has shifted the paradigm of a mosque from merely a place of prayer to a center of civilization. Within this complex, there are various supporting facilities, ranging from meeting rooms (ballroom), a digital library, a Quranic study center, to commercial areas selling local MSME products.

Socially, this building serves as a public space for the residents of Mataram. At night, the building's facade is illuminated by a dynamic, colorful lighting system, making it a night tourism icon. International-scale religious festivals, such as the National Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ), have been held here, proving that the building's infrastructure is capable of accommodating thousands of people with good crowd management.

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Unique Architectural Elements and Ornament Details

If observed closely, there are small details that make Masjid Hubbul Wathan unique:

1. Door Ornaments: The mosque doors are made large with teak wood carvings that combine typical Lombok floral motifs and Arabic calligraphy.

2. Marble Flooring: The use of marble on the floor of the sacred area gives an impression of luxury yet humility.

3. Dominant Colors: The use of yellow and green on the domes is not without reason; green symbolizes the fertility of NTB's nature, while golden yellow symbolizes glory and nobility.

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Visitor Experience and Religious Tourism

For tourists, visiting the Islamic Center NTB offers a holistic experience. The management provides guides for foreign tourists who wish to learn about Islamic architecture and values. A polite dress code is enforced by providing robes (abaya) for non-Muslim visitors, demonstrating the inclusivity and hospitality of the NTB community.

Standing in the mosque courtyard when the adhan (call to prayer) is recited provides an extraordinary acoustic sensation. The muezzin's voice echoes clearly among the large pillars, creating a very emotional atmosphere. Its strategic location at the main intersection of Mataram makes this building easily accessible from any direction.

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Conclusion

The Islamic Center NTB (Masjid Hubbul Wathan) is a modern architectural masterpiece in Eastern Indonesia. By combining the strength of concrete structures, the beauty of calligraphy art, and the depth of local cultural philosophy, this building successfully fulfills its function as a place of worship and a cultural monument. It is a visual representation of the NTB community, which is religious yet open to the progress of the times, making it an architectural heritage that will continue to be admired by future generations.