Masjid Jami Nurul Hasanah

“A mosque built with the generosity of strangers?” a visitor whispered, intrigued by the tale of Masjid Jami Nurul Hasanah. Masjid Jami Nurul Hasanah in Palu, Sulawesi Tengah, stands as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Indonesian people. It’s a story of recovery and collaboration, born from the devastation of the 2018 earthquake and tsunami. The people of Aceh, having experienced their own share of natural disasters, felt a deep connection to the suffering in Palu. They initiated a fundraising campaign, driven by their governor, Ir. Nova Iriansyah, an ITB alumnus. Their generosity allowed for the reconstruction of Masjid Jami Nurul Hasanah, a beacon of hope amidst the ruins. The mosque’s design, a harmonious blend of Acehnese and Central Sulawesi architectural styles, symbolizes this interprovincial friendship. Dr.-Ing. Andry Widyowijatnoko, along with a team of architects, including Palu native Imam Prasetyo, crafted a unique structure. Imagine a vast, 20x20m roof, supported by an intricate lattice structure, eliminating the need for columns that could interrupt prayer lines. The sloping roof sections, some resting on steel pipes at the entrances and mihrab, and others on folded concrete columns, create a visually stunning effect. Masjid Jami Nurul Hasanah’s construction was a monumental task. The project spanned 21 months, with four months lost to administrative changes. The extensive use of locally sourced wood added to the timeline. The construction of the roof, done manually with pulleys, presented the greatest challenge. Massive laminated wooden beams, some weighing over a ton and stretching 18 meters long, were hoisted into place. Local craftsmen from Central and Southeast Sulawesi dedicated 11 months to this painstaking process. The majority of the funds from Aceh were reinvested in the local Palu economy. Materials, labor, and the implementation team were all sourced locally. Only the roofing material and steel pipes were brought in from Jakarta and Surabaya. Masjid Jami Nurul Hasanah is more than just a building. It is a symbol of shared humanity, a testament to the power of compassion, and a physical manifestation of the bond between Aceh and Central Sulawesi.