Decades ago, a president dreamt of a mosque near his palace. Today we stand before Masjid Baiturrahim. This is no ordinary mosque. Masjid Baiturrahim is nestled within Jakarta’s Istana Kepresidenan complex. Imagine Soekarno, Indonesia’s first president, right here. He envisioned a place of worship. It was to be close to Istana Merdeka.
Before Masjid Baiturrahim, a tennis court occupied this very spot. Soekarno, in 1959, initiated the mosque’s construction. He wanted the mosque symmetrical with Istana Merdeka. This presented a unique challenge. The desired symmetry conflicted with the proper direction of the Qibla.
Ulama were consulted. Among them were Habib Abdurrahman Al-Habsyi Kwitang. Also KH. Sidiq Fauzi from Kuningan offered guidance. A solution was reached. The mosque would be built as Soekarno wanted. During prayers, worshippers would angle themselves towards the correct Qibla.
Construction finished in 1961. Soekarno incorporated Javanese-Balinese architectural elements. For years, only those within the Presidential Palace could pray here at Masjid Baiturrahim. The mosque featured a single dome. To the right stood a minaret. Verses of the Quran adorned the transparent doors. White paint covered the entire structure. Thick glass, etched with Quranic verses, served as ventilation.
In 1978, under President Soeharto, religious activities at Masjid Baiturrahim were encouraged. The mosque became more active. Public participation increased. This was especially so during Ramadan. Security measures were put in place.
By 1997, the congregation had grown substantially. H. Maftuh Basyuni, then Head of the Presidential Household, oversaw an expansion. The mosque grew to 580.3 square meters. It could now accommodate about 750 worshippers.
In 2008, the Qibla direction was re-evaluated. Officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs used modern tools. These included theodolites, GPS, and compasses. Further renovations took place under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. On October 1, 2010, the renovated Masjid Baiturrahim was inaugurated. The Grand Imam of Masjidil Haram, Syeikh Ali Bin Abdur Rahman Al-Hudhaify, led Friday prayers that day.
Today, Masjid Baiturrahim remains a vital part of the Istana Kepresidenan. Palace employees regularly perform their prayers here. Every Friday, employees, palace guests and the public gather for Friday prayers. Even the President and Vice President often join. Security remains tight, with Paspampres officers checking visitors. A handphone check-in ensures solemnity.
The management carefully schedules imams and khatibs for Friday services. These leaders come from diverse backgrounds. They include scholars, academics, and bureaucrats. During Ramadan, Masjid Baiturrahim welcomes the public. People come to break their fast. They also perform Tarawih prayers. On Idul Fitri and Idul Adha, the mosque opens for public prayers. It is open from 5:00 AM to 8:30 AM.
Masjid Baiturrahim stands as a testament to faith. It is a place of peace within the heart of Indonesian power. It reflects the vision of Soekarno. It embodies the spiritual life of Jakarta’s Presidential Palace.