Do you know Jakarta also has many old mosques? These mosques are witnesses to the spread of Islam. Let’s explore one of Jakarta’s places of worship. We are standing before Masjid Baitis Salmah.
Jakarta was once known as Sunda Kelapa. It became a center for spreading Islam in Indonesia. So it is not surprising that some of the oldest mosques in Indonesia are in Jakarta.
Masjid Istiqlal is one of Jakarta’s icons. It is one of the oldest mosques still standing. Every world leader makes time to visit this iconic Indonesian capital mosque. The Istiqlal Mosque Foundation was established on December 7 1954. H. Tjokroaminoto chaired it. The hope was that Indonesia could build a national mosque. The first pole was erected on August 24 1961. This coincided with the birthday of Prophet Muhammad SAW. Its construction was completed seventeen years later. It was completed on February 22 1978.
Masjid Agung Sunda Kelapa is unique. This mosque has no dome. It has no drum, no star, no moon. Also, it has no other ornaments commonly found in mosques. Instead, the mosque building has been around since the 1960s. It is shaped like a boat. Architect Ir. Gustaf Abbas chose the design. It symbolizes the port of Sunda Kelapa. It was where the first Muslim merchants traded. They spread Islamic teachings. In addition, the shape of a boat can also mean a Muslim’s submission. It is in a praying position. It hopes for God’s grace and love.
Masjid Agung Al-Azhar is located in the Al-Azhar school complex. This mosque has been around since 1958. Fourteen figures from the New Masyumi party were involved. They helped establish the mosque. This mosque has officially become one of 18 historical sites. They mark Jakarta’s development since August 19 1993. Before Masjid Istiqlal was built, this was the largest mosque in Jakarta. In 1967, various school buildings were built around the mosque area. They ranged from kindergartens to Al-Azhar Indonesia University. It was finally established in 2000.
According to Alwi Shahab’s book Batavia Kota Banjir, Masjid Al-Makmur began construction in 1704. It was built by descendants of Islamic Mataram royal nobles. At that time, the Mataram kingdom was trying to spread Islam to the city of Batavia. Today we know it as Jakarta. Despite failing, the nobles decided to stay. They were confident in their preaching abilities. Masjid Al-Makmur was then built for this purpose. Since then, the mosque has never been empty of pilgrims.
Masjid Al-Alam Cilincing is the oldest mosque in Jakarta. Masjid Al-Alam Cilincing has been around since the 17th century. It is now almost 495 years old. It is said that this mosque was built after the arrival of Raden Fatahillah from Aceh. Although small and simple, this mosque still has its own charm. It is a silent witness to Islamic history in Jakarta.
In 1527, Prince Adipati Awangga built Masjid Tua Al-Mubarok. He was also known as Prince Kuningan. At that time, he was part of the Demak-Cirebon forces. They played a role in seizing Sunda Kelapa. They seized it from the Padjajaran Kingdom. Then they changed its name to Jayakarta. You can find evidence of the troops’ struggle. It is through the tomb of Prince Kuningan. It is located within the PT Telkom complex. Also there are the tombs of his followers. They are in the backyard of the mosque. This mosque still functions well today. It is always full of pilgrims. Residents still treat Masjid Tua Al-Mubarok. They treat it as a center for Islamic learning until now.
Masjid Jami’ As-Salafiyah has been around since 1619. It is also known as the Pangeran Jayakarta Mosque. As the name suggests, this mosque was built by Pangeran Jayakarta Wijayakrama. It is said that this mosque is connected to the story of the struggle against Jaan Pieter Coon. He served as the ruler of Batavia at that time. He pressured Pangeran Jayakarta to the edge of Batavia. There he then built this mosque. Masjid Jami’ As-Salafiyah then became a cultural heritage site. It is due to the history behind it. Even so, now you can still visit and use the mosque for worship.
Each of these mosques has a rich history. They have beautiful architecture. They also have cultural significance. The mosques attract visitors from near and far. They actively engage with the community. They foster unity and compassion. As Indonesia’s tourism industry continues to thrive, Jakarta’s mosques remain iconic landmarks. They are symbols of the nation’s religious diversity.