Did you know that amidst Jakarta’s skyscrapers stands a classical mosque with oriental charm? That is Masjid Hidayatullah. It is also known as Masjid Karet. This mosque has stood strong since 1743. It occupies 3,000 square meters on Jalan Masjid Hidayatullah Karet in South Jakarta.
Muhammad Yusuf founded Masjid Hidayatullah. He was of Betawi, Chinese, and Bugis descent. This explains the mosque’s unique blend of architectural styles. The architecture combines Arab, Chinese, Betawi, and Hindu traditions. The windows and doors showcase a strong Betawi influence. The curved, tiered roof reflects Chinese architecture like those of peranakan homes. Hindu influences are evident in the teak wood carvings.
Masjid Hidayatullah symbolizes harmonious cultural integration. It also holds a history of patriotism. During Dutch colonization, freedom fighters used this mosque to strategize. They even used it to supply weapons to Karawang and Cikampek.
The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has designated Masjid Hidayatullah as a cultural heritage site. This status protects the mosque from unauthorized renovations. It has only been renovated three times. These renovations occurred in 1921, 1948, and 1996. Each time, renovations preserved the mosque’s original form. Workers only repaired parts damaged by age.
Masjid Hidayatullah’s architecture blends Chinese, Hindu, and Betawi cultures. The building includes an original structure and an addition. The addition was inaugurated around 1999. A 15-meter tower was added two years prior. The original building has remained unchanged since its creation.
The curved roof reflects Chinese architecture. Tohir, the mosque’s chairman, noted the area once housed Chinese, Hindu, and Betawi communities. The tiered roof is a common feature in Chinese temples. Betawi culture appears in the doors and windows with ventilation holes. Inside, teak pillars evoke mosques in Java. These pillars feature Arabic calligraphy.
Uniquely, Masjid Hidayatullah’s courtyard boasts date palms, malaka trees, and jackfruit trees. These trees are reportedly centuries old. Six tombs of the mosque’s founders and freedom fighters are also well-maintained on the grounds.
The mosque played a vital role in Indonesia’s fight for independence. Freedom fighters gathered here to plan tactics. The tall minarets served as observation posts. They watched for approaching enemies. Weapons were also sent to Cikampek and Karawang from Masjid Hidayatullah. H. Saidi, a Betawi hero who died in the 1950s, was captured here. His tomb is near the mosque.
Entrepreneur Mohammad Yusuf built the mosque in 1747. He dedicated the 3,000-square-meter land. There are two accounts of the mosque’s construction. One says Muhammad Yusuf, of Chinese descent but Muslim faith, built it. The other claims the mosque was built through communal effort. Chinese residents also helped. Regardless, the mosque’s architecture is strongly Chinese.
The location of Masjid Hidayatullah has changed. Originally, the mosque area covered about 3,000 meters. The expansion of the Krukut River and road construction reduced it to about 1,700 meters. Around 1,500 graves near the mosque were relocated by families. In the 1980s, the New Order government threatened to evict the mosque.
Despite the challenges, Masjid Hidayatullah stands firm. It is a testament to cultural harmony, historical significance, and unwavering faith.