What if these walls could talk? They would tell the story of Masjid Jami Al Mansur. This is one of Jakarta’s oldest mosques. It stands in Jembatan Lima, Tambora. This mosque carries a rich history. It is a listed cultural heritage site.
Masjid Jami Al Mansur owes its name to Kh. Mohammad Mansur. He was known as Guru Mansur. He was a Betawi figure who fought against Dutch colonial rule.
Let’s travel back to the 18th century. Raden Abdul Malik founded this mosque in 1717 AD. He was also called Prince Cakrajaya Adiningrat. He built it for worship and community education. It was a means to resist invaders. It was originally named Jami Kampung Sawah.
This mosque played a role in Indonesia’s independence struggle. KH. Mohammad Mansyur led the way. During 1947-1948, fierce fighting occurred. Nationalist forces clashed with NICA soldiers. Mansur bravely tried to raise a Red-and-White flag. He wanted to put it on the minarets. These minarets now look obsolete.
After Moh. Mansyur’s death on May 12, 1967, the mosque was renamed Masjid Jami al-Mansyur. It became a cultural heritage site on January 10, 1972. This recognition came via Governor’s Decree no. Cb. 11/1/12/72.
Now, let’s look at the architecture. The main hall is the oldest part. It measures 12 by 14.40 meters. Four solid pillars stand out. The columns have octagonal bases. Above, there are buffers and flat pellets. The central stem is round with seams. The top is rectangular.
Wooden beams support two stairs. These lead to the attic. Fences stand on the 55-centimeter-wide beams. These fences feature a rhomboid pattern. This construction resembles a western style. The roof has a limasan form.
The tower stands in front of the old mosque. It is cylindrical and 12 meters high. The fourth and fifth parts have terraces with iron fences. A semicircular dome tops the minaret.
Consider the dedication and history held within Masjid Jami Al Mansur. It is more than a building. It symbolizes resistance, faith, and cultural heritage.