Masjid Amir Hamzah

Gazing up at the modern, almost industrial design of Masjid Amir Hamzah, you might not realize you’re standing before one of Jakarta’s oldest mosques. Masjid Amir Hamzah’s journey has been a nomadic one. Originally built in 1971 near the Jakarta Institute of the Arts (IKJ) campus within the Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) complex, it nestled beneath a tree, a quiet sanctuary for prayer and reflection. The need for campus expansion in 2013 uprooted the mosque, sending it to the basement of TIM. Imagine holding prayers and religious gatherings underground for almost four years. Then, from 2014 to 2017, Masjid Amir Hamzah found temporary shelter next to the Planetarium. Another move back to the basement followed, as the entire TIM underwent a massive revitalization in 2019. Finally, on July 3, 2020, Governor Anies Baswedan inaugurated the current Masjid Amir Hamzah, a modern marvel capable of accommodating 250 worshippers. The mosque’s name honors the national hero and renowned writer, Amir Hamzah. Its unconventional design, devoid of the traditional dome, often leaves TIM visitors unaware of its presence. Many wander the grounds, questioning the mosque’s location, only to discover this modern structure defying traditional expectations. The mosque’s surroundings offer a tranquil escape. Koi ponds flank the building, their gentle ripples creating a soothing soundscape amidst the urban bustle. Relocated trees, silent witnesses to the mosque’s original location, provide shade and a connection to its past. Inside, a unique architectural feature greets you. A ceiling crafted from interlaced wooden beams and transparent glass panels reveals miniature plants and allows natural light to filter through, creating a serene atmosphere even without air conditioning. This modern oasis within the bustling TIM complex invites you to pause, reflect, and discover the hidden journey of Masjid Amir Hamzah.