Masjid Jami’ Al-Ma’Mur

Did Raden Saleh ever imagine his humble prayer space would become the Masjid Jami’ Al-Ma’mur? Here we stand before Masjid Jami’ Al-Ma’mur in Cikini, a testament to community spirit and artistic legacy. The mosque’s story begins in the late 19th century with Raden Saleh, a renowned Indonesian painter. He established a small prayer room near his residence, roughly where Cikini Hospital stands today. This simple structure eventually evolved into the grand mosque we see now. The land Raden Saleh owned was later sold to the Stichting Medische Voorziening Koningen Emma Ziekenhuis Tjikini Foundation (Queen Emma Foundation). They planned to build a hospital and church on the site. This prompted the relocation of Raden Saleh’s prayer room in 1890. The community rallied together, physically carrying the structure to its current location on Jl. Raden Saleh Raya. This act of collective effort laid the foundation for Masjid Jami’ Al-Ma’mur. The relocated structure initially served as a small prayer house. However, the growing community required a larger space. Funds were raised through a unique method. Each Muslim household kept a milk can, covered and protected from the rain. They would contribute a handful of rice to these cans regularly. The collected rice was then sold by the youth to purchase building materials. The construction of Masjid Jami’ Al-Ma’mur is remarkable for another reason. It was completed without the guidance of architects or engineers, a testament to the ingenuity of the community. The mosque also faced land disputes after Indonesia’s independence. The Ministry of Agrarian Affairs granted ownership to the Indonesian Church Council (DGI), encompassing the mosque’s land. After prolonged negotiations, the land was rightfully returned to the Al Makmur Mosque Foundation in 1991. Masjid Jami’ Al-Ma’mur stands as a symbol of resilience and community spirit. It embodies the artistic vision of Raden Saleh and the collective efforts of the Cikini community. Today, it serves as a designated cultural heritage site, preserving its unique history for generations to come. Notice the wooden carvings and the original tiles preserved amidst later additions. These details whisper stories of the mosque’s rich past, a blend of art, faith, and community perseverance.