“A house of Raden Saleh.” Those words started it all for Masjid Jami Al Ma’mur. This sacred space stands in Cikini Jakarta. It holds within its walls a rich tapestry of history and resilience.
Let’s step back in time to the late 19th century. Raden Saleh Syarif Bustaman a renowned Indonesian painter allowed a simple surau to be built on his expansive estate. This estate stretched from Cikini to Tugu Tani Menteng. This humble prayer house marked the humble beginnings of what would become Masjid Jami Al Ma’mur.
After Raden Saleh’s passing the land changed hands. Sayed Abdullah bin Alatas purchased the land. He then sold it to Koningen Emma Ziekenhuis a Dutch colonial government foundation. The foundation planned to replace the mosque with a nonprofit hospital and missionary facilities.
However the local community fiercely resisted. Figures like HOS Tjokroaminoto Agus Salim and KH Mas Mansyur stepped in to defend Masjid Jami Al Ma’mur. Their combined efforts highlighted the mosque’s importance to the community.
In 1930 local residents took the initiative to renovate the mosque. Before that it was made of woven bamboo. With the support of Sarekat Islam they rebuilt it into a permanent structure. KH Agus Salim officially inaugurated the renovated Masjid Jami Al Ma’mur in 1932.
Even after Indonesia’s independence land disputes continued. The Ministry of Agrarian Affairs issued land rights to the hospital under the name of the Indonesian Council of Churches. Negotiations followed involving the Jakarta government and mosque administrators. Finally in 1991 the land was returned to the original stewards. The Yayasan Masjid Al Makmur.
Masjid Jami Al Ma’mur showcases traditional architecture. It features well-preserved wooden carvings. The mosque has about seven main doors and ten windows crafted from original teak. The building has two floors. Both floors serve as prayer spaces accommodating up to 700 worshippers.
Today Masjid Jami Al Ma’mur stands as a cultural heritage site. It was declared so by the Governor of Jakarta under Regional Regulation No 9 of 1999. The Yayasan Masjid Al Makmur continues to manage the mosque. It also runs schools and madrasahs alongside religious activities.
Masjid Jami Al Ma’mur is more than a building. It is a symbol of community spirit. It represents resilience and historical significance. It embodies Jakarta’s rich Islamic heritage. As you stand here remember the struggles and triumphs. Remember the people who fought to preserve this sacred space. Their legacy lives on within these walls inspiring faith and unity for generations to come.