“Did you know that the name of this mosque comes from a volcano?” Here we stand before Masjid Jami’ Tambora a historic mosque in Jakarta. Its name links back to Mount Tambora on Sumbawa Island. The founders originated from that area.
Masjid Jami’ Tambora was established in 1761. Kiai Haji Moestoyib and Ki Daeng founded it with friends. They hailed from Makassar. They had lived near Mount Tambora in Sumbawa. The Dutch sent them to Batavia now Jakarta in 1756. They were punished with five years of forced labor for resisting Dutch rule.
After their sentence they chose to stay in Kampung Angke Duri now Tambora. They befriended local scholars. Together they conceived the idea to build a mosque. It was a sign of gratitude. They chose a spot near the Krukut River. Back then its water was pure and good for ablutions.
Another account says H. Moestoyib built the mosque. A Chinese Muslim contractor from Makassar assisted him in 1761. The Dutch arrested both men on false charges. They were accused of plotting rebellion. After their release the Dutch granted them land. This land became the site of Masjid Jami’ Tambora.
K.H. Moestoyib led the mosque until his death. He was buried in the front yard. Ki Daeng was also buried there. Leadership passed to Imam Saiddin in 1836. Later Mad Supi and his associates took over in 1950. The mosque saw significant renovations in 1980.
Masjid Jami’ Tambora shares its history with other mosques. Masjid Jami’ Al-Anwar in Angke was built by Chinese Muslims. Masjid Jami’ Annawier in Pekojan was built by Indian Muslim traders.
During Indonesia’s fight for independence Masjid Jami’ Tambora served as a meeting place. Young people planned their resistance against the Dutch. In October 1945 the NICA raided the mosque. Several young men were arrested. Mad Supi was among them.
In 1994 Masjid Jami’ Tambora was recognized as a cultural heritage site. Renovations occurred in 1979 and the 1980s. These projects preserved and enhanced the mosque.
There are different views about the tombs in the mosque’s yard. Some say they belong to Muhammad Djabbarti. He was an Islamic teacher from Sudan. The Jakarta government and tourism ministry believe they are the tombs of H. Moestoyib and Ki Daeng.
The mosque’s architecture features a rectangular layout. It covers 435 square meters. The land area is 555 square meters. The front yard is paved with tiles. The mosque faces residential buildings to the north and south. The Blandongan River lies to the east. A school and houses are to the west.
Before entering the main hall notice the terrace. Inscriptions mark the founding year 1181 AH or 1761 AD. The main hall contains pillars a mihrab and a mimbar.
Four main pillars represent the struggles of Prophet Muhammad and his companions. The mihrab faces west. It features Arabic numerals 11 and 81. The mimbar stands to the north of the mihrab.
The mosque complex includes an aula secretariat rooms a cooperative and facilities for caretakers. The main hall measures 16 by 10 meters. It has three doors including a main entrance. The roof is a two-tiered limasan style made of tiles. A pineapple-shaped finial tops the roof.
In the front yard are tombs of KH. Moestoyib and Ki Daeng. They died around 1836. The tombs consist of simple rectangular jirat and nisans. Covered structures protect the graves. Chinese ceramics adorn the pillars of these structures.
The mosque once had a large water reservoir for ablutions. Many old graves were removed during Governor Ali Sadikin’s administration. Only two graves remain. These are now enclosed.
A permanent canopy covers the street in front of Masjid Jami’ Tambora. This may indicate street closures during Friday prayers and holidays. Tarawih prayers here consist of 11 rakaat.
Masjid Jami’ Tambora stands as a testament to history. It represents faith and resilience. Its walls echo tales of resistance. It is a place of worship and historical significance.