Balikpapan is the second largest city in East Kalimantan with a total population of 778,908 (2017 data), and more than 89% more are Muslim.

The Balikpapan Islamic Centre Mosque or also known as the Madinatul Iman Mosque is the largest and grandest mosque in Balikpapan. This mosque was built on an area of ​​15 hectares, with a building area of ​​8.75 hectares. This mosque is estimated to be able to accommodate 10,000 worshipers.

The style of this mosque construction model is oriented to the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Starting from the dome of the mosque and the shady umbrellas at the front of the mosque. However, the umbrella here cannot be opened and closed like the one in the Prophet’s Mosque. In addition, there is similarity in the design of the mihrab and pulpit between this mosque the prophet’s mosque in Medina.

The mosque has 5 minarets. 4 towers are located in each corner, and the other 1 tower is separate. The separate tower has a height of 68.2 m and is located on the southeast side of the mosque. The function of this tower is not only as a decoration to beautify the mosque, but also functions as an exhibition and information centre which has a communication antenna as high as 16.2 meters. Not only that, the tower also functions for astronomical observations and the new moon which is commonly used to determine the start of Ramadan and Shawwal. Moreover, this tower is a vehicle to view the city of Balikpapan from a height.