NORTH ACEH | INDATANEWS.COM ~ Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, widely known as Mualem, returned to his native village on Sunday, April 5, 2026, to inspect the ongoing construction of the Baitul Muttaqin Mosque in Gampong Blang Tue, Seunuddon District, North Aceh.
The mosque, whose construction began before Mualem's tenure as governor, is fully funded by his personal resources and voluntary contributions from the local community, without any government support.
Progress Without State Funding
Read Also: Aceh Surpasses 2025 Revenue Target, Shows Positive Development Trends Mualem arrived at the construction site around 5:00 PM local time, greeted by the nearly completed mosque. Its green, white, and yellow dome stood in contrast to the predominantly white walls. While the flooring remained unfinished and facilities such as ablution areas for men and women were still under construction, Mualem entered the mosque, removed his shoes, switched to sandals, performed the ritual washing, and offered prayers in this personally significant house of worship.
"The Baitul Muttaqin Mosque measures 18 by 21 meters and began construction in 2024, before Mualem officially became Governor of Aceh in February 2025," explained Nabahani, the mosque's project manager.
"The project is primarily funded by Mualem's personal funds, with additional support from voluntary community donations. No government funds have been used so far."
CONSTRUCTION CHECK: Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf inspects the Baitul Muttaqin Mosque in Blang Tue, North Aceh, to ensure construction proceeds smoothly. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Nabahani added that community involvement mainly consists of voluntary donations and foundations. The mosque is being built from the ground up, not renovated, with Mualem regularly monitoring progress. Although there were initial plans to include state funding, Mualem decided to follow a step-by-step approach based on available resources.
He once said, "ta peugot bacut-bacut ube na peng, pajan yang lheuh kakeuh lheuh," which means taking things gradually according to one's capabilities.
Community Interaction and Mosque Naming
After prayers, Mualem held an extended discussion with the construction committee and local residents about the progress and the village's situation. He left the site with his entourage around 6:05 PM.
As a mark of respect for his role in establishing the mosque, the residents of Blang Tue have renamed it "Mualem Mosque." (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Adli Safwan | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala