Did you know that there is a place of serenity amidst Indonesia’s political heart? That is Masjid Baiturrahman. Here in the MPR/DPR Senayan complex in Jakarta stands a unique mosque. It offers a spiritual coolness to the area.
Masjid Baiturrahman is managed by the Secretariat General of the MPR/DPR. Its design is unique perhaps the only one of its kind in Indonesia. The mosque’s shape resembles a Tanjung flower. This idea came from a DPR member who had visited the Philippines. There, they saw a mosque with a similar architectural style.
The Masjid Baiturrahman sits on elevated ground. It stands apart from other buildings. This makes the mosque noticeable despite its modest size compared to other buildings in the complex.
The building features a geometric design. Thick lines with pointed ends wrap around it. A bright green color washes over the exterior. The mosque’s dome has an octagonal shape. Sharp lines create its angles. It is truly beautiful to see.
In front of the Masjid Baiturrahman, a pendopo acts as a transition area. It marks the beginning of the sacred space. Brick and ceramic stairs lead to the main building. These steps are not too high.
A terrace surrounds the main building at the top of the stairs. Though not very large, the terrace offers beautiful views. From here, you can see teak carvings of leaves on the large doors of the mosque’s main hall.
Next to the terrace is a large bedug. It measures 1.97 meters in diameter and 3 meters in length. The wood comes from the Blora forest. The surface is made from Australian cowhide.
The Masjid Baiturrahman’s interior is beautiful. Though not too large, the space feels open. It only has two wooden support pillars. Ornaments add to the grandeur. A Tanjung flower-shaped chandelier hangs directly below the dome. Wall ornaments also feature the Tanjung flower.
The front of the main hall has a minimalist design. A simple mimbar stands against a plain white wall. Unlike many mosques, it lacks detailed ornamentation.
The main hall has two levels. The upper level circles the main floor. It provides a prayer space for women.
Baiturrahman means “house of compassion.” It symbolizes a place where people can feel comfortable. They can hope for the Creator’s love.
Originally, Masjid Baiturrahman was a small prayer room. It was built with help from the Financial Audit Board (BPK-RI) and local residents. Thanks to donors, it was renovated and officially reopened on October 3, 2010. Now, it is a grand mosque in the BPK III-IV complex.
The Masjid Baiturrahman has two floors. The first floor is for congregational prayers. The second floor hosts a TPA, KPA, Muslim women’s studies and other activities. There is also a secretariat and a reception area. Facilities include laptops, projectors, a sound system and a small library. It contains the Quran, Hadith books and more.
Its location is strategic in the Kebon Jeruk area of West Jakarta. It provides a place for office workers to pray, especially during Friday prayers. The clean and well-equipped Masjid Baiturrahman aims to create a comfortable and solemn worship experience for all.