Beneath Jakarta’s sky stands Mushala Sumusul Anwar. It is more than just a place of worship. It is a sanctuary for reflection. Let’s uncover a story of faith, history, and community.
Imagine the whispers of ancient Jakarta carried on the breeze. These whispers tell tales of Islam’s growth in Indonesia. They speak of the Wali Songo and their legacy. These saints spread Islam across the archipelago. Their heritage lives on in Jakarta’s old mosques. Mushala Sumusul Anwar stands as a part of this heritage.
Jakarta has mosques that are hundreds of years old. These mosques witnessed the struggles of spreading Islam. They were central to the community. Even now, many historic mosques stand strong in Jakarta. They welcome both worshippers and travelers.
Consider Masjid Jami Al Khairaat in East Jakarta. It stands in Batu Ampar, Condet. This mosque dates back to the 16th century. It was founded by Dato’ Kudul and Dato’ Dji’in. They were Betawi natives of Condet. Masjid Jami Al Khairaat remains a hub for worship and religious learning.
Then there’s Masjid Al Alam Marunda. It’s also known as Masjid Si Pitung. This mosque is thought to be Jakarta’s oldest. It has stood since 1527. You can find it on the shore of Marunda. It is in Cilincing, North Jakarta. This mosque has witnessed much of Jakarta’s history.
We cannot forget Masjid Raya Al Arif Jagal Senen. It stands in the Pasar Senen area. People call it Masjid Jagal. Since 1695, it has had a rectangular shape. Its roof has a pyramid shape. A large dome sits on top.
Another historic mosque is Masjid Jami Al-Barkah. It sits on Jalan Kemang Utara. Guru Sirin founded it in 1818. Legend says Guru Sirin came from Banten. An old tomb is behind the mosque on its west side. Guru Sirin was buried there after he died in 1920.
Think back to 1619. Pangeran Jayakarta’s troops clashed with Dutch forces. The Dutch were led by Governor-General Jaan Pieter Zoon Coen. The battle took place in Mangga Dua. Pangeran Jayakarta’s soldiers were surrounded. He escaped by throwing his cloak into an old well. The Dutch thought he died. So they sealed the well. Pangeran Jayakarta fled to East Jakarta. There, in a thick teak forest, he built a mosque. This area is now Jatinegara. He established the mosque across the Kali Sunter. It provided a place for fighters and scholars to gather. They continued the fight against the Dutch.
Let’s turn our attention to Masjid Al Anwar. It was once called Masjid Angke. It is in West Jakarta. It has links to figures like Pangeran Fatahillah and Tubagus Angke. Today, Masjid Angke is a protected cultural site. The mosque covers 400 square meters. It blends Dutch, ancient Banten, and Chinese styles. Dr. F. Dehan wrote about its founding in Oud Batavia. The mosque was founded on Thursday, April 2, 1761.
Lastly, there is Masjid Jami Matraman. It is near the Gedung Proklamasi. This is on Jalan Pegangsaan Timur. Its original name was Masjid Jami Matraman Dalem. This means “the mosque of the Sultanate of Mataram Ngayogyakarta’s followers.” Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo sent troops to capture Batavia. The mission failed and many Mataram soldiers died from cholera. The Dutch suffered a great loss. Their leader, Jaan Pieter Zoen Coen, died.
People called the area where Mataram soldiers lived Matraman. It now stretches from Jalan Salemba Raya to Pasar Jatinegara. Sultan Agung sent his troops to Batavia twice. After the second failure, he withdrew them to Yogyakarta. But many soldiers stayed. They became preachers in Betawi. They married locals. They created a new generation of Betawi people. The mosque was built in 1837. Its architecture draws from Middle Eastern and Indian designs. A large dome sits at the center. Two towering minarets symbolize Islam’s grandeur. The bold golden color represents the fight for independence.
Like these historic mosques, Mushala Sumusul Anwar serves its community. It offers a space for prayer. It promotes unity. It embodies Jakarta’s rich Islamic heritage. As you stand here, remember the stories etched into the city’s landscape. Reflect on the enduring spirit of faith. It connects generations through time.