A lotus flower. Can you imagine seeing that on a mosque? That’s just one surprise awaiting us at Masjid Jami Angke. This mosque is officially known as Masjid Jami Angke or Masjid Al-Anwar. It stands as a testament to Jakarta’s rich, multiethnic past.
Founded in 1761, Masjid Jami Angke isn’t just old. It’s a living museum of cultural fusion. Denys Lombard called it one of the most elegant of the old town. The mosque’s history embodies colonial Jakarta’s diverse origins.
The story begins with Kampung Goesti. Balinese people, led by Kapitan Goesti Ktut Badulu, settled here. By the mid-18th century, they converted from Hinduism to Islam. The mosque’s benefactors were also unique. Nyonya Tan and Syaikh Liong Tan, both Muslim converts from Batavia’s Chinese community, funded its construction.
Its location near the Angke canal adds another layer to the story. “Angke” means “blood” and “carcass” in Hokkian. The stream was near a slaughterhouse. Prince Syarif Hamid of Pontianak, captured by the Dutch, was buried here in 1858. People from Pontianak still visit his grave.
Look closely at the architecture of Masjid Jami Angke. It has remained unaltered since its construction. The tiered roof reflects traditional Javanese style. But Balinese, Chinese, and Dutch elements are also apparent. The window shutters display Balinese influence. The roof’s tips curve upward like a Balinese punggel. Chinese norms influenced the roof’s bracketing construction. The lotus symbol on the roof represents Buddhist enlightenment. Dutch colonial influences appear in the doors and windows.
Measuring only 15 x 15 meters on a 400 sqm land, the mosque feels intimate. A cemetery is part of the complex. Masjid Jami Angke has undergone several restorations. These happened in 1970, 1985-1987, and 2016. It is now a protected cultural heritage site.
Masjid Jami Angke is more than a building. It is a symbol of Jakarta’s diverse heritage. Its unique blend of architectural styles and cultural influences tells a story of unity. It’s a place where Javanese, Balinese, Chinese, and Dutch cultures meet.