Hidden within Jakarta’s labyrinthine lanes lies Masjid Arrahman. This unassuming mosque stands as a testament to the unwavering faith of its community. Its history is not one of grand pronouncements or opulent architecture. Instead it’s a story etched in the very bricks and mortar of its simple structure.
Masjid Arrahman’s story begins with Raden Sastro Pawiro Djaya Diningrat. He generously donated the land for the mosque. This act of selfless generosity spurred the surrounding community into action. People from Jalan Sumatra and beyond Pekanbaru even Tangkerang united. They contributed their time and resources to build their place of worship. Raden Sastro remained the mosque’s biggest supporter. He played a crucial role in its construction.
The mosque’s construction began in 1930 and concluded in 1935. At that time three stilt houses surrounded Masjid Arrahman. It was the only mosque in the city center. The initial design was incredibly basic. Walls floors and pillars were constructed from simple planks. The roof was thatched. The building itself sat on a one-meter-high platform. The original mosque measured a modest 8×8 square meters. It was painted with recycled oil giving it a distinctive dark brownish-black hue.
Despite its humble beginnings Masjid Arrahman quickly became a vibrant hub for the city’s Muslim population. People from Jalan Sumatra Tangkerang Cut Nyak Dien A Yani and Jalan Pinang flocked to the mosque. The rhythmic beat of the bedug drum heralded the call to prayer. This sound resonated across the city drawing worshippers to Masjid Arrahman.
Around 1960 the community collaborated again. This time to lower the mosque from its stilt foundation. They did this without altering the mosque’s simple structure. Raden Sastro’s house stood directly above the land where PT Surya Dumai’s eight-story building now stands.
Masjid Arrahman played a significant role in the city’s religious life. It even served as a preaching ground for the parents of former Pekanbaru mayor Herman Abdullah. In 2004 the Pekanbaru city government cleared the land around Masjid Arrahman. They acquired 4700 square meters. The Riau provincial government allocated Rp4.6 billion for the mosque’s expansion. The construction of offices for the KPU BAZ and MUI received Rp3.8 billion from the 2008 Pekanbaru APBD.
Governor Rusli Zainal officially opened the expanded Masjid Arrahman on June 19 2009. Mendagri Mardiyanto witnessed the ceremony. Pekanbaru city officials have plans to turn the mosque area into an Islamic Center. The front of the building will remain a place of worship. The rear will house offices for religious instruction a library and other facilities.
Masjid Arrahman’s journey from a simple structure to a potential Islamic Center reflects the enduring spirit of faith and community resilience. It is a story worth remembering. A story of simple beginnings and enduring faith. A story woven into the heart of Jakarta.