“Did you hear about the mosque that moved to make way for a flyover?”
Let me tell you about Masjid Jami Nurul Khoir. It is a place with a story etched in its very walls. The Masjid Jami Nurul Khoir is a vital part of Jakarta’s cultural and religious landscape.
Once upon a time, Muslim merchants from India traveled to Batavia. Now known as Jakarta, they built mosques to practice their faith. Among these early houses of worship stands Masjid Jami Kampung Baru Inpak. It is also known as Masjid Kampung Baru or Bandengan Mosque. It stands as one of Jakarta’s oldest mosques.
Construction of the Masjid Jami Kampung Baru Inpak began in 1743. It was completed in 1748. Sheikh Abubakar, an Indian Muslim merchant residing in the area, initiated this project.
Interestingly, a Dutch article from 1829 refers to it as the Moorsche Tempel or Temple of the Moors. This suggests that the mosque was built by Muslim Moors. The term Moorish evolved to be synonymous with Indian Muslims. Moorish typically identifies a Muslim ethnic group from North Africa. They conquered Europe and established an Islamic empire in Andalusia Spain.
Originally, the Masjid Jami Kampung Baru Inpak boasted a square design with a pyramid-shaped roof. It mimicked traditional Javanese architecture. Four central pillars supported the roof. Today, much of the original structure is gone.
The late 1980s brought significant changes to the Pekojan area. Buildings were dismantled to construct a flyover. The Masjid Jami Kampung Baru Inpak was damaged despite its historical significance. Today, only the keranka central square, carved setandan grapes, and some pillars on the windows remain from the original building.
Covering around 1,050 square meters, the mosque floor features white tiles. Green and red mats adorn the space. An antique lamp, a relic from the mosque’s early days, hangs from the ceiling.
Once, it had the most beautiful pulpit made of carved wood. It has been replaced. The original pulpit is now housed in the Jakarta History Museum.
The Masjid Jami Kampung Baru Inpak stands as a reminder. It shows the rich history of Islam in Jakarta. It represents the cultural exchange between India and Indonesia. The mosque is a designated cultural heritage site. It has been preserved by the Jakarta provincial government.
Just a short distance away stands another historical gem. It is the An-Nawier Mosque. Built in 1760 by Sayid Abdullah bin Huseim Alaydrius from Yemen. An-Nawier Mosque symbolizes Arab civilization in Jakarta. It shows the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Jakarta.
So, as you stand before Masjid Jami Nurul Khoir remember its long history. Think about the merchants, the builders, and the generations of worshippers. They have all passed through its doors. The Masjid Jami Nurul Khoir is more than just a building. It is a living testament to Jakarta’s vibrant past and enduring faith.