Have you ever wondered about a mosque without a dome? Welcome to Masjid Cut Meutia a unique house of worship in the heart of Jakarta.
Masjid Cut Meutia is more than just a place of prayer. Its history is as captivating as its unusual architecture. Originally built in 1912 it wasn’t a mosque at all. The building served as an architect’s office. The firm NV De Bouwpleg designed and developed the nearby Gondangdia residential area.
But this building had many lives. After the architects moved out it became a post office. It even housed the Japanese Kempeitai Navy during World War II. Later it served as the Central Jakarta mayor’s office. Then it was the office of the local water company and the People’s Housing Service. Finally after much deliberation and complaints from local residents about the lack of mosques in the Kebon Sirih area it became a mosque.
The building’s transformation into Masjid Cut Meutia wasn’t seamless. Its Dutch Colonial design presents a unique challenge. The building doesn’t perfectly align with the Qibla the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. This means the prayer rows are at a 15-degree angle. The mihrab the prayer niche where the imam leads prayers is also on the left instead of the center.
Despite these oddities Masjid Cut Meutia holds a special place in Jakarta. Its courtyard offers ample space for worshipers and visitors alike. It’s a tranquil oasis where you can enjoy the shade of trees and the coolness of the air. During Ramadan the courtyard becomes a bustling marketplace selling takjil pre-breaking-fast meals. It is a testament to adaptability and a reminder that even the most unexpected places can become sacred spaces. Masjid Cut Meutia’s story is a vibrant reflection of Jakarta’s rich and ever-evolving history. It is a must-see landmark for anyone interested in the city’s cultural heritage and architectural diversity.