Ready to uncover a unique blend of cultures? We’re standing before Masjid Jami Angke, one of Jakarta’s oldest mosques. Its story reflects the city’s diverse heritage.
Masjid Jami Angke was founded on April 2, 1761. The main benefactors were Nyonya Tan and Syaikh Liong Tan. Both hailed from Batavia’s local Chinese community and had converted to Islam.
The mosque’s location near the Angke canal gave it its name. Angke means “blood” and “carcass” in Hokkian. This was because the stream was near a slaughterhouse.
Interestingly Prince Syarif Hamid from Pontianak was captured by the Dutch. He was held at Manggadua. After his death in 1858, he was buried in front of the mosque. People from Pontianak often visit his grave.
The architecture of Masjid Jami Angke is fascinating. It is a mix of Javanese, Balinese, Dutch, and Chinese styles. Denys Lombard described it as one of the most elegant in old Jakarta.
The mosque has a two-level roof. This is typical Javanese style for places of worship. Balinese elements are visible in the window shutters. The roof’s tips curve upwards. They resemble a Balinese punggel.
Chinese influences appear in the bracketing construction of the roof. Some decorations take the form of a Chinese lotus. This is a symbol of Buddhist enlightenment. Dutch colonial influences are seen in the main door and window ornamentation.
Masjid Jami Angke is small. It measures 15 x 15 meters within a 400 sqm land area. The complex includes a cemetery. Many tombstones have Chinese and Arabic inscriptions. The oldest tombstones indicate Islamic Banten and Aceh origins.
It is the only mosque in Jakarta that has remained unaltered since its construction. Masjid Jami Angke has been restored several times. These restorations were in 1970, 1985–1987 and 2016. Today the building is protected as a cultural heritage site.
Masjid Jami Angke stands as a symbol of Jakarta’s multiethnic origins. It showcases a blend of cultures and religions. Its unique architecture and rich history make it a must-see. As we move on remember the harmonious blend of cultures embodied in this remarkable mosque.