What if I told you that this seemingly ordinary mosque holds within its walls a history stretching back over a century? Welcome to Masjid Al-Ma’mur, a cultural gem nestled in the heart of Cikini. This is no ordinary place of worship. It’s a living testament to Jakarta’s rich past.
Masjid Al-Ma’mur was built in 1890. The renowned Indonesian painter Raden Saleh Syarif Bustaman initiated it. Originally, it was a simple surau a small prayer house. It stood next to Raden Saleh’s residence. His estate stretched from Cikini to Tugu Tani in Menteng.
After Raden Saleh passed away, the ownership of the land changed hands several times. Sayed Abdullah bin Alatas acquired the land. He then sold it to Koningen Emma Ziekenhuis, a Dutch colonial government foundation. This foundation planned to demolish the mosque. They wanted to build a nonprofit hospital and missionary center.
Local residents fiercely opposed this plan. National figures like HOS Tjokroaminoto, Agus Salim, and KH. Mas Mansyur stepped in. They fought to preserve Masjid Al-Ma’mur.
In 1930, the community decided to renovate the mosque. Previously, it was made of woven bamboo. People had physically moved it before. The Sarekat Islam helped the community. Together, they funded the construction. KH. Agus Salim inaugurated the renovated Masjid Al-Ma’mur in 1932.
Land disputes arose again after Indonesia’s independence. The Ministry of Agrarian Affairs issued a land certificate to the Indonesian Council of Churches. This reignited tensions. Negotiations involved the Jakarta government and mosque officials. Finally, in 1991, the land was returned. It went back to the original owner, the Al Makmur Mosque Foundation.
Masjid Al-Ma’mur features old architectural designs. The wood carvings are still preserved. It has about seven main doors and ten windows. These are made of original teak wood. The building has two floors. Both serve as prayer spaces. The mosque can accommodate up to 700 worshippers.
Today, Masjid Al-Ma’mur stands as a testament to perseverance. The Governor of Jakarta designated it as a cultural heritage site. This happened under Jakarta Regional Regulation No. 9 of 1999. The Al Makmur Mosque Foundation manages the mosque. Besides religious activities, they also run schools.
As you stand here, consider the struggles and triumphs. This building has seen colonial rule, independence, and relentless community spirit. Masjid Al-Ma’mur is not just a building. It is a symbol of Jakarta’s enduring heritage.