Kerry Pays Tribute to Islam in Jakarta

John Kerry and Grand Imam Ali Mustafa Ya'qub at the grand
domed prayer hall at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia
on Sunday

THE TIMES OF ISRAEL: Secretary of state, bidding to help repair US-Muslim ties during southeast Asia swing, visits region’s largest mosque

JAKARTA — US Secretary of State John Kerry visited Southeast Asia’s largest mosque during his visit to Indonesia Sunday, paying tribute to Islam in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation.

After removing his shoes outside the Istiqlal mosque in the heart of Jakarta, Kerry walked through the vast building accompanied by grand imam Kyai al-Hajj Ali Mustafa Yaqub.

Calling it an “extraordinary place”, the top US diplomat told Indonesian reporters: “I am very privileged to be here and I am grateful to the grand imam for allowing me to come.” » | AFP | Sunday, February 16, 2014