Beneath Jakarta’s modern veneer lies a tapestry of stories etched in brick and mortar. One such story resides within the walls of Masjid Kampung Poncol. This mosque stands as a testament to time and faith.
It stands as a cultural touchstone for the Kampung Poncol community. Its establishment dates back centuries. This makes it one of Jakarta’s oldest and most revered mosques.
Masjid Kampung Poncol began as a humble prayer house. Muslim merchants from India traveling to Batavia built it. These merchants sought a place to gather and worship. Sheikh Abubakar, an Indian merchant living in the area, spearheaded the construction. Work commenced in 1743. It concluded in 1748.
Originally known as Masjid Kampung Baru Inpak it is also known as Masjid Kampung Baru or Bandengan Mosque. The mosque’s architecture reflects Javanese building traditions. It features a square plan and a pyramid-shaped roof. Four central pillars support the roof. These pillars are common in traditional Javanese structures.
Over time Masjid Kampung Poncol underwent changes. In the late 1980s improvements to Pekojan damaged the mosque despite its historical value. Today some original features remain. These include the keranka central square and some pillars on the windows.
Inside the mosque covers about 1050 square meters. The floor features white tiles covered with green and red mats. An antique lamp hangs from the ceiling a relic from the mosque’s early days. Once the mosque boasted a beautiful carved wood pulpit. Now stored in the Jakarta History Museum it was replaced.
The mosque is more than a building. It is a symbol of community resilience. It serves as a reminder of the merchants who shaped Jakarta’s cultural landscape.
Masjid Kampung Poncol is a cultural heritage site. It serves as a place of worship and refuge. It embodies Jakarta’s rich history and enduring spirit. Consider the countless prayers whispered within its walls. Think of the generations who have found solace here. This mosque stands as a beacon of faith. It links the past to the present.