Here stands Masjid Jami Baiturahim. It offers a serene escape amidst Jakarta’s political heart. Located within the MPR/DPR complex in Senayan, this mosque provides spiritual coolness.
Masjid Jami Baiturahim is managed by the Secretariat General of the MPR/DPR. It boasts a unique design. Its shape resembles a Tanjung flower. This idea came from a DPR member. He had just returned from a work visit to the Philippines and had seen a mosque there with a similar architectural style.
The Masjid Jami Baiturahim sits on higher ground. It is set apart from other buildings. This makes it stand out. Though not as large as other buildings in the complex, it is still prominent.
The mosque’s architecture features geometric shapes. Thick lines with sharp ends wrap around the entire building. It is painted a bright green color. The dome is an octagon. Sharp lines form its corners. It is truly beautiful to behold.
In front of the Masjid Jami Baiturahim, a pendopo serves as a transition area. It marks the start of the sacred space. Brick stairs with ceramic tiles connect the main building to the pendopo.
A terrace surrounds the main building. It is not too wide. From there you can see teak wood carvings. The carvings show leaf motifs forming the large doors to the mosque’s main hall.
Next to the terrace sits a large bedug. It measures 1.97 meters in diameter and 3 meters in length. The wood comes from the Blora forest. Australian cowhide makes up its surface.
Entering the mosque, the beauty continues. Though not very large, the room feels spacious. Only two wooden pillars support it. A magnificent impression fills visitors’ minds when they see the room’s ornaments. A Tanjung flower-shaped chandelier hangs directly below the dome. Many ornaments on the walls also reference the Tanjung flower shape.
A minimalist feel is evident at the front of the main hall of Masjid Jami Baiturahim. There stands a small mimbar. It covers half of the wall. The wall is simply painted white. It lacks the detailed ornaments common in most mosques.
The main hall has two levels. The second level surrounds the main ground floor. It serves as a prayer area for women.
Baiturrahman means house of compassion. This symbolizes that people can feel comfortable in the mosque. They can hope for the Creator’s love. Masjid Jami Baiturahim provides this solace. It blends unique design with spiritual significance.