How about a fusion of Javanese, Balinese, Arab, Chinese, and even European styles in one building? That is Masjid Jami Al-Anwar Angke. This old mosque stands as a testament to Jakarta’s diverse cultural heritage. It showcases a unique blend of architectural styles.
Masjid Jami Al-Anwar Angke also known as Masjid Angke, is estimated to have been built in 1761. For over 250 years it has stood strong. The mosque still functions as a place of worship. It is a protected cultural heritage site.
Abyan Abdillah is the Head of History and Building at Masjid Angke. He explained that the uniqueness comes from the combination of Balinese, Javanese, Arab, and Chinese art in the building’s design. This reflects the diverse community that once inhabited Kampung Angke. Despite different ethnicities, they lived in harmony and with great tolerance.
As you enter Masjid Jami Al-Anwar Angke, you are greeted by a Javanese-style door. It features Balinese carvings on its sides. Such doors are rarely found in mosques. The mihrab, the niche indicating the direction of Mecca, reflects an Arab or Moroccan style. The mimbar, or pulpit, has European and Chinese influences. European influences are also visible in the windows. They have what looks like bars inside. The four pillars inside the mosque feature a distinct European design.
The Chinese influence is most apparent in the roof of Masjid Jami Al-Anwar Angke. Unlike most mosques with domes, this one does not have a dome. Instead, its roof resembles that of a Chinese temple. The blend of cultures reflects the diverse backgrounds of the people who lived in Kampung Angke.
Kampung Angke was a central point for the spread of Islam from the Demak Cirebon Kingdom. The tombstones here are diverse. They indicate origins from different regions. This highlights the integration of Indonesia. Masjid Jami Al-Anwar Angke even served as a refuge. It sheltered Chinese people during the Pecinan riot in 1740. Local residents protected them.
Masjid Jami Al-Anwar Angke has a second floor. It was once used to call for prayer before loudspeakers. It also served as a lookout point during times of war. From there people could monitor the surrounding area. Today, it is preserved as a historical monument.
Ira Lathief, a tour guide, mentioned that a wealthy Chinese Muslim woman named Ibu Tan Hio founded the mosque. Her husband was a nobleman from Banten. After Indonesia’s independence, the Dutch tried to regain control. Young people gathered in the mosque to plan their actions. Islamic scholars motivated them. The mosque was safe from the Dutch. Its location was hidden within the narrow alleyways.
The architecture blends Dutch, Chinese, and Javanese styles. The doors have a Chinese style. The windows are Dutch. The limasan roof is Javanese. Some consider it Chinese. The curved roof ends resemble Balinese architecture. The mosque also has four large pillars. They are reminiscent of old Dutch buildings. The pillars are made of teak wood.
Near Masjid Jami Al-Anwar Angke are tombs of heroes who fought against colonialism. One is believed to be the final resting place of Pangeran Syarif Hamid Alkadrie. He was a prince from the Pontianak Sultanate. He died in 1854 at the age of 64. Given its historical value, Masjid Jami Al-Anwar Angke is designated as a cultural heritage building. It stands as a symbol of cultural diversity and historical significance.