Heard the tale of Pangeran Jayakarta? It’s tied to the very ground we stand on before Masjid Jami’ As-Sholihin. This mosque is more than a place of worship. It’s a symbol of resistance and faith. It stands as a legacy of Jakarta’s founder.
Let’s journey back to 1619. Jakarta was a battlefield. Pangeran Jayakarta fought fiercely against the VOC. The VOC was under the command of Jan Pieterszoon Coen. The prince’s forces were pushed eastward. His kraton and mosque were destroyed.
The VOC thought they had killed Pangeran Jayakarta. They were wrong. He escaped. He left his robe and turban in a well to fool them. The Dutch riddled the well with bullets. They thought they had eliminated him.
Pangeran Jayakarta and his followers fled. They went southeast to what is now Jatinegara Kaum. There in 1620, he established a new settlement. He built Masjid Jami’ As-Sholihin. It was not just a mosque. It was a strategic command center.
From here, Pangeran Jayakarta planned his resistance. His son, Pangeran Senapati, spread Islam. He moved to Cibarusah in Bekasi. There he established a center of resistance.
Pangeran Jayakarta passed away in 1640. He was buried near the mosque. This sacred ground became his final resting place.
Masjid Jami’ As-Sholihin has seen changes over the centuries. It has been renovated and expanded. Yet some original features remain. Four pillars at the front stand as silent witnesses. They connect us to the past.
Since 1993, Masjid Jami’ As-Sholihin is a cultural heritage site. The Governor’s Decree recognized its importance. Today, the mosque covers 7000 square meters. The building itself occupies 450 square meters. It can accommodate 800 worshippers.
Masjid Jami’ As-Sholihin is more than bricks and mortar. It embodies Jakarta’s spirit. It reminds us of Pangeran Jayakarta’s courage. It stands as a testament to faith. It connects us to the rich history of Jakarta. It shows us Jakarta’s enduring legacy. Take a moment to reflect on the struggles and triumphs. Remember those who shaped this city. Feel the spirit of resistance and devotion. It’s a spirit that still resonates within these walls of Masjid Jami’ As-Sholihin.