Hidden amongst Jakarta’s bustling streets stands Masjid Jami Kampung Baru Inpak. This unassuming mosque holds a captivating history. It’s one of Jakarta’s oldest mosques. Its story begins with intrepid Muslim merchants from India. They journeyed to Batavia in the 18th century. These pioneers established a thriving community. They built Masjid Jami Kampung Baru Inpak to fulfill their spiritual needs.
Construction began in 1743. It concluded five years later in 1748. The mosque’s founding is attributed to Sheikh Abubakar. He was one of those pioneering Indian merchants. The mosque wasn’t always known by its current name. Early records refer to it as the New Kampong Mosque. A Dutch article from 1829 called it the Moorsche Tempel or Temple of the Moors. This reflects the mosque’s connection to Indian Muslims. While the term Moor often refers to North African Muslims this mosque’s builders hailed from India.
Sadly much of the original structure is gone. Modernization efforts damaged it. The central square remains intact. So do some pillars and carved grape designs. The mosque’s layout is unique. It’s a square building with an overlapping roof. The upper roof forms a pyramid. This style echoes traditional Javanese architecture. The mosque covers around 1050 square meters. Its floor is tiled white. Green and red mats cover much of the floor. An antique lamp hangs from the ceiling. It’s been there since the mosque’s founding. The mosque once boasted a magnificent carved wooden pulpit. Sadly that pulpit is now in the Jakarta History Museum.
Masjid Jami Kampung Baru Inpak is more than a place of worship. It’s a living testament to the enduring faith of early Muslim settlers. It is a crucial part of Jakarta’s heritage. The mosque is a cultural heritage site designated by DKI Jakarta’s provincial government. It stands as a reminder of the rich tapestry of cultures that have shaped this vibrant city. It represents the enduring faith and resilience of a community that overcame challenges to preserve their religious identity. The mosque continues to serve its community a symbol of faith in the heart of Jakarta.