Masjid Jami’ Al-Anfal

Could a mosque built near a slaughterhouse find elegance? Masjid Jami’ Al-Anfal, also known as Angke Mosque, proves it can. This mosque, nestled in Jakarta’s Tambora district, stands as a testament to the city’s rich, multicultural past. Masjid Jami’ Al-Anfal isn’t just any mosque. It’s a historical gem, a whisper of old Batavia. Historian Denys Lombard described it as “one of the most elegant of the old town”. Built in 1761, Masjid Jami’ Al-Anfal has miraculously survived unaltered, a rare feat in a constantly evolving city like Jakarta. The name “Angke” itself tells a story. Derived from Hokkien words meaning “blood” and “carcass”, it refers to a nearby canal once tainted by a slaughterhouse. This area, known as Pejagalan, meaning “slaughterhouse”, retains its historical connection to Masjid Jami’ Al-Anfal. The mosque’s story is interwoven with the lives of Nyonya Tan (née Oey) and Syaikh Liong Tan, Chinese Muslim converts who were instrumental in its creation. Their contribution reflects the diverse community that shaped Jakarta. Masjid Jami’ Al-Anfal embodies this fusion of cultures. Its Javanese tiered roof stands alongside Balinese window shutters and roof tips, curved upwards in the traditional Balinese punggel style. Chinese influences appear in the roof’s bracketing and lotus decorations. Even Dutch colonial touches grace the main door and window ornamentation. Masjid Jami’ Al-Anfal is a small but powerful symbol of Jakarta’s layered history. It stands on a 400 square meter plot, the mosque itself measuring just 15 by 15 meters. Within its grounds lies a cemetery, adding another layer of history. The mosque has undergone several restorations, in 1970, 1985-1987, and most recently in 2016, preserving it for future generations. Masjid Jami’ Al-Anfal isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a living museum, a testament to Jakarta’s multicultural heritage.