“What stories do these walls conceal?” I ask you standing in front of Masjid Al Arief Jagal Senen. This mosque has stood here for centuries. It has witnessed Jakarta’s evolution.
Masjid Al Arief Jagal Senen is one of Jakarta’s oldest mosques. It is located in the busy Pasar Senen area. This mosque is more than just a place of worship. It is a living testament to Jakarta’s rich history.
Originally, this sacred place was called Masjid Jami Jagal Senen. It was built in the 17th century. The mosque served the local community of animal butchers. In 1969, its name changed to Masjid Raya Al-Arif Jagal Senen.
Upu Daeng H Arifuddin founded the Masjid Al Arief Jagal Senen in 1695. He was a Bugis merchant and nobleman from Gowa. Locals also helped build it. The mosque became a center for Islamic teachings. It also served traders, travelers, and the local community.
Upu Daeng Arifuddin was a respected figure. He was a descendant of Goan kings. He fought against Dutch colonialism. Arifuddin died in 1745. His tomb lies to the west of the Masjid Raya Al-Arief Jagal Senen. Four of his friends are also buried there.
The Masjid Al Arief Jagal Senen has a square layout. It covers a spacious 550 square meters. The roof is a tiered pyramid shape. The mosque stands on 2,850 square meters of donated land. Daeng Arifuddin donated this land. Now, his heirs hold the land rights.
Inside the Masjid Al Arief Jagal Senen, ceramic tiles and soft prayer rugs cover the floor. Four main pillars support the roof’s structure. A wall separates the men’s and women’s prayer areas. Iron bars enclose the mosque’s exterior. A single gate provides access.
The ablution area lies to the south of the Masjid Al Arief Jagal Senen. Separate areas exist for men and women. Toilets are also available. Rubber mats connect the ablution area to the prayer hall. This keeps the mosque clean.
The Masjid Al Arief Jagal Senen faced demolition in 1969. Governor Ali Sadikin wanted to expand Pasar Senen. Fortunately, the demolition never happened. During the Japanese occupation, there was also a plan to demolish the Masjid Al Arief Jagal Senen. Legend says that a photo taken showed a man in white robes. People believed it was Arifuddin.
Today, the Al Arief Foundation manages the Masjid Al Arief Jagal Senen. The mosque is always busy. Locals, workers, and travelers visit it. The main gate only opens during prayer times. This is to maintain the mosque’s security and dignity. A smaller back door remains open for those who wish to pray or meditate.
The Masjid Al Arief Jagal Senen stands as a symbol of faith. It also represents resilience in the heart of Jakarta. Its history connects us to the past. Its presence enriches our present.