Consider this: a blend of Balinese curves, Chinese bracketing and Dutch doors. That is the architectural story of Masjid Jami Nurul Anwar. This mosque stands as a testament to Jakarta’s rich history. It reflects the multiethnic origins of this colonial city.
Masjid Jami Nurul Anwar opens its doors from 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM. It is located on Jl. Kayu Manis III Baru No. 16, RT.17/RW.2, in Kayu Manis. This is in the Matraman subdistrict of East Jakarta.
The kampung around the mosque was once known as Kampung Goesti. Balinese people settled here. They were under the leadership of Kapitan Goesti Ktut Badulu. By the mid-18th century, the community converted from Hinduism to Islam.
The mosque was founded on April 2, 1761. Nyonya Tan and Syaikh Liong Tan were the main benefactors. Both were Muslim converts from Batavia’s local Chinese community.
The mosque is near a canal called Angke. Ang means “blood” in Hokkien. Ke means “carcass”. The stream got this name because it was near a slaughterhouse. It was contaminated with blood. The area is still known as Pejagalan meaning “slaughterhouse.”
In 1856, Prince Syarif Hamid was captured by the Dutch. He was a Sultan from Pontianak. They held him at Manggadua. He died and was buried in front of the mosque on July 17, 1858. People from Pontianak often visit his grave. Many have decided to stay in Angke. Many Chinese in this area are devout Muslims. Tombstones near the mosque bear Chinese and Arabic inscriptions. The oldest ones show Islamic Banten and Aceh origins.
Masjid Jami Nurul Anwar has been restored several times. Restorations took place in 1970, 1985–1987 and 2016. The building is a protected cultural heritage site.
It is the only mosque in Jakarta that has remained unaltered since its construction. The roof has two levels. This is typical Javanese style for places of worship. The architecture follows a traditional Javanese mosque design. But Balinese, Chinese, and Dutch elements are visible.
Balinese elements appear in the window shutters. The roof tips are shaped like a Balinese punggel. They curve upwards like in Balinese architecture. The roof’s bracketing construction follows Chinese norms. Some decorations on the roof resemble a Chinese lotus. This is a symbol of Buddhist enlightenment. Dutch colonial influences are apparent in the main door and window ornamentation.
The mosque itself is small. It measures 15 x 15 meters. The land area is 400 square meters. The mosque complex includes a cemetery.
Masjid Jami Nurul Anwar stands not just as a place of worship. It is a living museum. It showcases the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Jakarta. Take a moment to appreciate this unique blend of styles. It tells a story of faith, community, and cultural fusion.