Question: Ever wondered how a mosque could survive threats of demolition and stand tall for centuries?
Here we are at the Masjid Al-Arif. It is one of Jakarta’s oldest and most historic mosques. Locals often call it Masjid Jagal Senen. This is because it is in the Pasar Senen area near the animal butchers.
The Masjid Al-Arif has been around since the 17th century. Upu Daeng Arifuddin, a nobleman from Gowa, South Sulawesi, built it. Later, the mosque was named after him. He was from the Gowa Sultanate.
In 1969, the name changed to Masjid Raya Al-Arif Jagal Senen. The mosque’s original purpose was to spread Islamic teachings. It also served as a place of worship. Traders, migrants, and locals all came here.
The Masjid Al-Arif covers 550 square meters. It stands on a 2,850 square meter plot. Its architecture blends Javanese, Dutch colonial, and Middle Eastern styles.
In 1969, Jakarta’s Governor Ali Sadikin planned to demolish the Masjid Al-Arif. He wanted to expand the Pasar Senen area. But for unknown reasons, the demolition never happened.
The mosque faced another threat during the Japanese occupation. A photo was taken to prepare for demolition. But the photo always showed a man in white robes. People believed it was Arifuddin, the founder. This stopped the demolition.
Upu Daeng Arifuddin, the mosque’s founder, was more than a nobleman. He was a freedom fighter. He opposed Dutch colonialism. Arifuddin died in 1745. He was buried near the Masjid Raya Al-Arief Jagal Senen.
The Masjid Raya Al-Arif Jagal Senen has a rectangular layout. It features a layered pyramid-shaped roof. The land it stands on was donated by Daeng Arifuddin.
Inside, the Masjid Al-Arif is covered with soft prayer mats. Four main pillars support the roof. A wall separates the men’s and women’s prayer areas. A fence surrounds the mosque with a single gate for entry. The ablution area is south of the mosque. It separates men’s and women’s sections. There are also separate toilets for men and women. A rubber carpet separates the ablution area from the mosque. This keeps the mosque clean.
The Masjid Al-Arif stands as a testament to faith and history. It has survived demolition threats. It continues to serve the community.