“Imagine being transported back to a time of deep religious devotion.” Right here before us stands Masjid Jami Al-Ghoniyah a beacon of faith in the community. Although reviews are absent, let me share a story. Masjid Jami Al-Ghoniyah is located on Jl. Manunggal III No.11 RW.6 Cipinang Melayu. It is in Kec. Pd. Gede Kota Bks Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta.
The story of mosques in Jakarta is often intertwined with the struggles and triumphs of its people. While I lack specific tales about Masjid Jami Al-Ghoniyah itself, I can share a related story. It echoes the spirit of resilience found in similar places of worship.
Let’s journey back to 1619. Pangeran Jayakarta’s soldiers clashed with the Dutch East India Company led by Governor-General Jaan Pieter Zoon Coen in Mangga Dua. Outnumbered Pangeran Jayakarta cleverly escaped. He threw his cloak into an old well. The Dutch thought he was dead and sealed the well.
Pangeran Jayakarta fled to East Jakarta. He arrived at a dense teak forest now known as Jatinegara. There he founded a mosque in 1620 on the opposite side of the Sunter River. It was meant to gather warriors scholars and promote Islam in Sunda Kelapa.
The Masjid Jami Assalafiyah in Jatinegara Kaum was renovated several times. Pangeran Sugeri son of Sultan Fatah renovated it in 1700. Pangeran Sugeri joined Pangeran Jayakarta because of a dispute with his brother Sultan Haji.
Pangeran Jayakarta was a fighter. The local government became responsible for the mosque’s preservation. This included the renovation of Pangeran Jayakarta’s tomb.
Pangeran Jayakarta was buried near the mosque he built along with his family and Pangeran Sugeri. Their descendants are buried in the mosque’s back yard. The graves are only for his descendants.
The mosque once held sacred objects including prayer beads with VOC coins and a gobang. The gobang was a warning sign. These items are now lost. Four original teak pillars support the upper tower. The tower features unique Arabic carvings shaped like a honeycomb.
Although this story speaks of another mosque it reflects the enduring spirit of faith in Jakarta. It reminds us that these sacred spaces are testaments to history culture and community.
As you stand before Masjid Jami Al-Ghoniyah remember that it is not just a building. It is a place of peace worship and community gathering. It is a continuation of Jakarta’s rich cultural heritage.