Considering this mosque’s history, would you believe it’s older than the United States? Let’s delve into the story of Masjid Jami Kampung Baru Inpak. It stands as one of Jakarta’s oldest mosques. You can find it on Jalan Bandengan Selatan in Pekojan, Tambora. It is near Masjid Al-Anshor.
Masjid Jami Kampung Baru Inpak is also known as Masjid Kampung Baru or Bandengan Mosque. This mosque wasn’t built by locals. Instead, Muslim merchants from India built it. These merchants often traveled to Batavia or even lived there. The provincial government of DKI Jakarta recognizes its cultural importance. It has been designated as a cultural heritage site.
The story of Masjid Jami Kampung Baru begins with traders. These traders and merchants came from Arabia and India. They settled in this area of what was then Batavia. They needed a place to worship together. So, they built a mosque. Sheikh Abubakar was one of these merchants. He hailed from India and lived nearby. He spearheaded the construction.
Construction of Masjid Jami Kampung Baru started in 1743. It finished in 1748. An interesting historical note appears in a Dutch article from 1829. The article refers to the “New Kampong mosque” as the “Moorsche Tempel”. That translates to “Temple of the Moors”. This suggests the mosque was initially built by Muslim Moors. Later, the term “Moorish” became associated with Indian Muslims. Moorish terminology usually identifies a Muslim ethnic group in North Africa, like Morocco. They famously conquered Europe and established an Islamic empire in Andalusia, Spain.
Now, take a closer look at the architecture. Masjid Jami Kampung Baru has changed over time. Only a few original elements remain. These include the keranka central square. Also visible are carved grapes and some pillars on the windows. In the late 1980s, major changes occurred in Pekojan. Buildings were torn down to make way for a flyover. Masjid Jami Kampung Baru suffered damage during this construction. Historical value and architectural integrity were not considered enough.
The mosque’s basic design is square. It features a roof overlap. The upper roof is shaped like a pyramid. This design resembles traditional Javanese buildings. Typically, four soko guru pillars support the pyramid-shaped roof in the middle. The mosque covers approximately 1,050 square meters. The floor features white-colored head coverings. Green mats and some red-colored mats are spread over it. An antique lamp hangs in the mosque. It has been there since the beginning.
Masjid Jami Kampung Baru once possessed a beautiful carved wood pulpit. This pulpit no longer exists within the mosque. It has been replaced. The original pulpit is now stored in the Jakarta History Museum. As you leave, remember the rich history of Masjid Jami Kampung Baru Inpak. It’s a testament to Jakarta’s diverse cultural heritage. Its walls have witnessed centuries of faith. It is a legacy of the merchants who shaped this city.