“A mosque, a house, a symbol.” That’s how some Jakarta residents describe Masjid Nurul Abrar. Today we stand before this historic mosque also known as Masjid Mangga Dua. Its story is deeply intertwined with Jakarta’s past.
Masjid Nurul Abrar was founded in 1841 by Sayyid Abubakar bin Alwi Bahsan Jamalullail. He was also known as Syekh Abubakar. This revered figure dared to challenge the Dutch colonial powers.
Originally the building was the residence of a Dutch colonial official. Syekh Abubakar seized it and transformed it into a mosque. His actions marked a significant moment in the area’s history.
The name Mangga Dua itself has an interesting origin. It comes from two large mango trees that once stood in front of the mosque. These trees became a local landmark.
Anies Baswedan the Governor of Jakarta once visited Masjid Nurul Abrar. He shared the story of the mango trees on his Instagram account. He highlighted the mosque’s historical importance.
In 1972 Masjid Nurul Abrar was officially designated as a cultural heritage site. This recognition acknowledges its contribution to Jakarta’s cultural landscape.
The mosque has only undergone one major renovation in 1986. During the renovation the four main pillars and the original pulpit were preserved. These elements offer glimpses into the mosque’s original design.
Inside Masjid Nurul Abrar lies a sacred tomb. It is the final resting place of Syekh Abubakar the mosque’s founder. The tomb is known as Makam Kramat Mangga Dua. Pilgrims often visit especially on Thursday evenings and before Ramadan.
The mosque also houses the graves of other notable figures. Among them are scholars from Hadramaut and Sultan Bone. There are also tombs of Central Java royalty such as Raden Tumenggung Anggakusumah Dalam. Even Kapitein Souw Beng Kong the first Kapitein China in Batavia is buried here.
These diverse burials reflect Mangga Dua’s long history. It shows how different ethnic groups have lived together in Batavia. The area has long been a melting pot of cultures.
Sadly parts of the ancient mosque are not well maintained. Some of the supporting pillars are starting to deteriorate. Despite this the mosque remains a vital place of worship.
You can easily visit Masjid Nurul Abrar. Take the Transjakarta bus corridor 12 and get off at the Mangga Dua stop. From there it is just a five-minute walk to the mosque.
Masjid Nurul Abrar stands as a testament to Jakarta’s layered history. It embodies the spirit of resistance cultural fusion and religious devotion. As you leave take a moment to reflect on the stories held within its walls.