A beacon of faith stands tall. It is Masjid Jami’ Kampung Baru Inpak. This magnificent mosque is located in Tambora Jakarta. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Islam in Indonesia.
For centuries Masjid Jami’ Kampung Baru Inpak has been a place of worship and community. Built by Indian Muslim merchants it opened its doors in 1748. These traders settled in Batavia. They needed a mosque for congregational prayer. The construction began in 1743. Sheikh Abubakar a merchant from India spearheaded the project.
The mosque’s history is rich and layered. In an 1829 Dutch article it was referred to as the Moorsche Tempel. This translates to Temple of the Moors. This reflects the mosque’s origins with Indian Muslims. While the term Moor often refers to North Africans the context here points to Indian Muslims.
Sadly much of the original structure is gone. A flyover construction in the late 1980s damaged it. Only the central square carved setandan grapes and some window pillars remain. The basic design is square with an overlapping roof. The upper roof has a pyramid shape. This is similar to traditional Javanese architecture.
Despite the changes Masjid Jami’ Kampung Baru Inpak retains its charm. It covers 1050 square meters. The floor is white with green and red mats. An antique lamp hangs from the ceiling. It has been there since the mosque’s construction. The mosque once boasted a stunning carved wooden pulpit. That pulpit is now in the Jakarta History Museum.
Masjid Jami’ Kampung Baru Inpak remains a vital part of the community. Its history speaks to the interwoven cultures and faiths of Jakarta. The mosque is a reminder of the resilience and beauty of Indonesia’s Islamic heritage. It is a place of solace prayer and community. It stands as a symbol of faith and perseverance.