What if these walls could talk? Masjid Agung Asasuttaqwa is not just a building. It is a testament to Bali’s rich history and cultural tapestry. Welcome to one of Bali’s oldest mosques.
Masjid Agung Asasuttaqwa stands near Bali’s International I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport. It serves as a focal point for Bali’s Muslim community. Legend says Islam’s influence in southern Bali began here in Kampung Bugis. This area is in Tuban, Kuta, Badung Regency.
Once, this sacred ground was not a mosque at all. It began as a simple langgar. Locals used this small prayer house. Bugis merchants sailed here from Makassar in the 17th century. They traded spices, iron, fabrics, and porcelain. They exchanged these goods for Balinese rice, coffee, and coconuts.
Over time, the Bugis community settled in Kampung Tuban. They started spreading Islamic teachings. When the King of Badung went to war against Mengwi, he sought help from the Bugis people. The Bugis warriors aided the king. They secured victory.
In gratitude, the King of Badung gifted the Bugis a place for worship and a burial ground. In 1890, the first langgar was built. This humble prayer house measured 8 by 12 meters. It featured a unique bathing place. This wudu area was a pool built on 2-meter-high coral.
In 1932, the langgar was transformed into Masjid Agung Asasuttaqwa. Today, the mosque has undergone many renovations. It has changed significantly from its original form. It now stands as one of Bali’s largest mosques. It can accommodate around 1,632 worshipers.
Near the mosque lies an ancient Muslim cemetery. This 2,200 square meter burial ground holds secrets of the past. The tombstones are carved from sea coral. Arabic script and dates from 1332-1334 mark these stones.
Masjid Agung Asasuttaqwa is more than a place of worship. It is a symbol of religious harmony in Bali. It represents the island’s diverse cultural heritage. This mosque is a reminder of the Bugis people’s contribution. They helped shape Bali’s spiritual landscape. As you stand here, imagine the stories. Think about the traders, the warriors, and the faithful. Their legacies live on in this sacred place.