“Goodness abounds here”. That’s the meaning behind the name Jami’atul Khoir. Welcome to this historic mosque in Jakarta. Jami’atul Khoir is more than just a place of worship. It’s a living testament to Indonesia’s rich history and its struggle against colonialism.
Founded in 1901 Jami’atul Khoir began as a social organization. Several leaders of the Arab community wanted to improve social conditions for Arabs in the Dutch East Indies. These leaders planned to establish a modern Muslim education institution. This countered the Dutch Indies education policy. The idea aligned with Betawi Mufti al-Sharif Habib Uthman ibn Abdullah ibn Yahya. He encouraged Muslims to build religious institutions against Christianization via public schools.
In 1901, prominent Arab community leaders in Batavia initiated an organization. It focused on social and Islamic education named Al-Jam’iyyatoul Khairiyah. The Association of Goodness was founded at Raudah Mosque on Pekojan Road II. This was seven years before Budi Utomo.
A petition sought official permission from the government on August 15 1903. It aimed to assist Arabs grieving or experiencing loss. It also aimed to aid funeral or wedding arrangements. Ahmad Basandiet led as chairman. The Dutch government was suspicious. It disliked associations involved in social movements. The government restricted the areas that Arabs and Arab descendants could visit.
After clarification of the association’s intent the government granted a permit in 1905. Jamiat Kheir was officially authorized by the Governor General of the Dutch East Indies. It was forbidden to establish branches outside Batavia. Jamiat Kheir became a social gathering for Alawiyyin non-Sayyid and Ajami aspirations.
Based on advice from Priesterraden the government required instructors to get permission to teach. Jamiat Kheir opened an elementary level madrasa in Pekojan. It offered free education using a blend of religious and general subjects. Non-religious subjects were taught in English to show anti-colonialism.
The Articles of Association dated August 15 1903 outlined Jamiat Kheir’s purpose. This was to assist Arabs in and around Batavia during times of grief or celebration. The organization’s first management included Said bin Ahmad Basandiet.
A general meeting on April 9 1906 led to amendments to the Articles. The new goals included setting up schools for all ethnicities as long as they were Muslim. The government approved the changes on October 24 1906. This was because Jamiat Kheir’s statutes did not contain political purposes.
In 1908 Jamiat Kheir started relationships with Islamic leaders in the Middle East. By 1918 the government prohibited Jamiat Kheir from engaging in activities with indigenous people. Jamiat Kheir changed its Article of association on October 17 1919. It became an education foundation.
On December 27 1928 the Dutch Indies government granted permission to found al-Rabi’dah al-Alawiyah. Many management members were also members of Jamiat Kheir.
Initially Jamiat Kheir focused on social problems. It addressed poverty illiteracy and ignorance suffered by Muslims. Activities included assisting grieving families helping orphans and aiding the elderly. Later it built the DāruI Aytam orphanage in Tanah Abang.
The Jamiat Kheir also had an international presence. It aided victims of war in Tripoli and helped build the Hejaz Railway.
In politics Jamiat Kheir was involved in Sarekat Islam. It published articles in Egyptian newspapers since 1902. These articles addressed Dutch colonialism.
In 1923 Jamiat Kheir bought new land for the school due to the increased number of students. In 1924 a building for boarding students called Internaat was built.
Today Jamiat Kheir concentrates on education. The schools are run under Yayasan Pendidikan Jamiat Kheir. The Foundation has schools and an undergraduate college in Tanah Abang. The Jamiat Kheir stands as a reminder of the power of community education and resistance in the face of oppression.