International Volunteers Establish Musala in Cidokom

International Volunteers Establish Musala in Cidokom

Cidokom, UIN News Online – The Musala at the Social Trust Found (STF) Entrepreneurial Waqf House, located in Cidokom Village, Gunung Sindur District, Bogor, West Java, was firmly established and inaugurated on Thursday (09/01/2022). The inauguration was attended by the Director of STF Amelia Fauzia, Vice Rector for Student Affairs Arief Subhan, Head of the Quality Assurance Institute (LPM) Muhammad Zuhdi, as well as several local officials.

Director of STF UIN Jakarta Amelia Fauzia revealed that the construction of the Musala aims to complement the existing supporting facilities at the Entrepreneurial Waqf House, specifically the Cercondeso multi-purpose building.

The construction of Musala, which started on July 22, involved a number of local volunteers from UIN Jakarta students and 24 international volunteers from 10 countries. They are members of the CA-UK-IN Studio organization based in London, England.

Aidana Roberts, one of the volunteers as well as project coordinator for the construction of the Musala, said that CA-UK-IN Studio itself is a volunteer organization engaged in building construction. The name is an abbreviation of Canada, United Kingdom, and Indonesia, three countries that initiate volunteer activities in the field of building design and construction.

“CA-UK-IN Studio strives to create impact and help others through architecture,” she said.

She also added that besides being used as a house of worship, this Musala can also be used as a means of community empowerment activities.

Another volunteer from Hong Kong, Aaron Chan, admitted that he really enjoyed the Musala project. He also impressed with the friendly attitude of the Indonesian people.

The same confession was expressed by Aimee, a volunteer from England. Aimee said that she was happy that the prayer room he had built had been completed. However, she also felt sad because she had to return to England.

“At first I came as a foreigner and knew nothing. I learned a lot here in Indonesia, from architecture, weather conditions to food,” said Aimee.

However, according to Aimee, being together as a volunteer is a very memorable experience. Including the hospitality of the Indonesian people. (ns/dima/usa)