Glancing at the intricate wood carvings. This is Masjid Jami’ Al Ma’mur. It stands as a testament to Jakarta’s rich history. It is a cultural heritage site.
Masjid Jami’ Al Ma’mur has stood for hundreds of years. It has been here since the Dutch colonial era. The renowned Indonesian painter Raden Saleh Syarif Bustaman initiated its construction in 1890. But a monument at the mosque says it was completed in 1932.
Originally, it began as a simple surau. This was a small prayer house. It was located near Raden Saleh’s residence. That area is near Cikini Hospital now.
Later, the surau was moved. It was relocated to its current location on Jalan Raden Saleh Raya. The relocation happened because the land was purchased. The land was bought by the Yayasan Stichting Medische Voorziening Koningen Emma Ziekenhuis. This foundation intended to build a hospital and church there.
Interestingly, the community moved the surau together. They carried it like a palanquin. After the move, it became a regular musala. A musala is smaller than a mosque.
As the congregation grew, the community decided to build a proper mosque. The community collectively funded the construction. Residents of Raden Saleh 2 or Cikini Binatu contributed. Muslim families were asked to keep a milk tin at home. These tins were used to collect rice donations for the mosque.
The youth collected the rice. They sold it. The money bought building materials. What is remarkable is that the mosque was built without an architect or engineer.
After Indonesia’s independence, land disputes arose. The Ministry of Agrarian Affairs issued a land certificate. It gave the hospital rights to the land. This led to negotiations. Finally, in 1991, the land was returned. It went back to the Yayasan Masjid Al Makmur.
Today, Masjid Jami’ Al Ma’mur is a cultural heritage site. This designation ensures the building’s authenticity is preserved. Original architectural elements remain intact. The wood carvings are still here. Some of the original tiles are still in the mosque’s central area. Some tiles were replaced. This happened after hundreds of years of wear.
The Governor of Jakarta officially designated Masjid Jami’ Al Ma’mur as a cultural heritage site. This happened under Jakarta Regional Regulation No. 9 of 1999.
Masjid Jami’ Al Ma’mur has about seven main doors. It has ten windows. All are made of original teak wood. The two-story building can accommodate up to 700 worshipers.
Once, you could see the Monas from here. The Monas is the National Monument. Now, tall buildings block the view.
Since 1994, an additional area has been added. This new area accommodates more worshipers. It is used during Friday prayers and Ramadan. However, the old building is used for the five daily prayers.
Masjid Jami’ Al Ma’mur stands. It represents community spirit and resilience. It has overcome challenges and preserved its heritage. This makes it a significant landmark in Jakarta.