“In the middle of a Betawi village stands Masjid Al Khairiyah. It has stood firm in Condet, East Jakarta since the 16th century”. Are you ready to uncover the story of this iconic Masjid Al Khairiyah?
Masjid Al Khairiyah is not just a building. It’s a testament to Jakarta’s rich history. Locals call it one of the oldest mosques in Jakarta. It was built by ancestors referred to as Datuk.
Tini, a descendant of one of the Datuks shared the story of Masjid Al Khairiyah. It was built in what was then a wilderness. It served as a place of worship and a refuge for rebels against the Dutch.
According to Tini, Datuk Kudul and Datuk Ji’in built it in the 16th century. They used teak wood, jackfruit wood and Ciliwung river stones for the foundation.
The mosque area was part of the Tanjung Jaya Kingdom. Prince Surawisesa led the kingdom with ancient Sunda Wiwitan beliefs. Nine Datuks built and spread Islam. They planned attacks on Sunda Kelapa Harbor during the Dutch era.
Kong Cemen is a Condet history and culture observer. He calls Masjid Al Khairiyah an iconic building. It once housed santri from Bogor, Banten and Pekalongan. They were part of spreading Islam.
Masjid Al Khairiyah underwent renovations in 1970. This altered its original structure. The old building was completely destroyed. But now, the management has returned to the original descendants of Datuk Kudul.
Another significant mosque in Jakarta is the Istiqlal Mosque. It is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Istiqlal symbolizes Indonesia’s independence. Designed by a Christian architect, it blends modern and traditional styles. It showcases Indonesia’s Islamic heritage.
Istiqlal Mosque features a massive dome with floral motifs and calligraphy. It represents Islamic art’s beauty. The grand prayer hall accommodates over 120000 worshipers. The mihrab indicates the direction of Mecca. It is decorated with mosaic tiles and carvings. A towering minaret stands 66 meters tall. It provides a view of Jakarta’s skyline.
Istiqlal Mosque houses Quranic manuscripts and Islamic books. Various Islamic events take place there. These include Quran recitation and religious seminars. Istiqlal has become an iconic symbol of Jakarta. It represents the city’s multicultural identity.
Masjid Al Khairiyah and Istiqlal Mosque stand as testaments to faith. They highlight the importance of religious freedom in Indonesia. Masjid Al Khairiyah reflects the history of Islam in Jakarta. Istiqlal Mosque showcases religious harmony. Together, they enrich Jakarta’s cultural landscape.