“A place for those who repent.” That’s what “At Taibin” means. The Masjid Jami Atta’ibin stands as a testament to Jakarta’s layered history. This mosque is located on Jalan Senen Raya IV in Central Jakarta. It has stood for over two centuries. Masjid Jami Atta’ibin became a cultural heritage building.
Imagine this area long ago. The “Segitiga Senen” teemed with life. It was known as “Segitiga Senen” because three roads formed a triangle. The area was once home to many Chinese people. Over time it transformed into a business district. Tall buildings rose all around. Yet, Masjid At-Taibin remained like an oasis.
The Masjid Jami Atta’ibin has white walls. Some parts are covered in marble. Its roof has three tiers of red tiles. The architecture blends Indonesian and European styles.
Inside, you’ll see pillars in straight rows. These “soko guru” support the roof. They are made of black teak wood. Golden calligraphy decorates them. A marble inscription states that the mosque was built in 1815. Back then, it was called Masjid Kampung Besar. It appeared on a Batavia map from 1918. Vegetable sellers from Pasar Senen worked together to build it.
The inscription also notes that the black teak pillars list the names of donors. During the revolution, Masjid Jami Atta’ibin served as a logistics base. It supported the freedom fighters. This small mosque holds great significance. It was not only a place of worship. It was also a place to fight for independence.
Inside Masjid At-Taibin, simplicity reigns. There are no fancy ornaments. No old artifacts are displayed. Just long green prayer carpets. There are bookshelves for religious books. A mimbar is there for the imam.
Jaka Khaeruddin is the Secretary of the Masjid At-Taibin. He says the mosque was founded by Pasar Senen traders. They came from different backgrounds. During the fight for independence, they shared a common goal. Indonesia had to be free. So, the mosque became a base and weapons depot. Weapons were hidden here for the fighters. They would use these weapons to fight the Dutch.
Masjid Jami Atta’ibin reflects the faith of the community. It embodies a spirit of resilience. The mosque stands on 711 square meters of land. The building itself is rectangular at 25 x 20 meters. The floor is made of marble. The roof has two layers of tiles.
Four teak pillars support the structure. These pillars are adorned with calligraphy. The teak wood is over two centuries old. The calligraphy was added during renovations.
The mimbar measures 2 x 1.2 meters. It is also made of black teak wood. It stands 3 meters tall. The mimbar’s design is reminiscent of those from the Wali Songo era.
Masjid Jami Atta’ibin’s architecture combines Indonesian and European influences. This reflects the era when it was built. The Dutch colonial period influenced its design. The mosque almost faced demolition in the 1980s. Fortunately, local leaders and residents saved it.
Today, Masjid Jami Atta’ibin retains its historic charm. It stands amidst modern skyscrapers. It has added facilities like a madrasah. It also has a Baitul Mal. This mosque remains a symbol of faith. It’s a testament to the community’s enduring spirit.