Question: Ever wondered how a beacon of Islamic education and social reform emerged amidst Dutch colonialism in Indonesia? Let me tell you about Masjid Jami’iyatul Khoir. It stands as a testament to the vision and resilience of Batavia’s Arab community.
Masjid Jami’iyatul Khoir began as an organization in 1901. It addressed the social needs of Arabs in the Dutch East Indies. Several leaders of the Arab community wanted to improve social conditions. They also aimed to create a modern Muslim education institution. This was a response to Dutch education policies.
The mufti of Betawi Habib Uthman ibn Abdullah ibn Yahya supported this idea. He encouraged Muslims to build religious institutions. These would counteract Christianization through public schools. In 1901 prominent Arab leaders established Al-Jam’iyyatoul Khairiyah. It meant “The Association of Goodness”.
The first location was at Raudah Mosque on Pekojan Road II. This was seven years before Budi Utomo. The organization aimed to help Arabs in grief or loss. It also assisted with funerals or weddings. Ahmad Basandiet was the chairman. Muhammad bin Abdullah Shahab was the vice chairman. Muhammad al-Fakhir bin Abdurrahman al-Mashhoor served as secretary. Idrus bin Ahmad Shahab was the treasurer.
Initially the Dutch government did not grant permission. They were suspicious of social movements. The government restricted the areas Arabs could visit. In Batavia gatherings were limited to Pekojan.
Permission was granted in 1905 after clarification of intent. Muhammad bin Abdurrahman al-Mash-hoor sent a letter. Jamiat Kheir was officially authorized. However branches outside Batavia were forbidden. It became a social gathering for Alawiyyin non-Sayyid and Ajami people.
The government required instructors to get permission to teach. Jamiat Kheir opened an elementary madrasa in Pekojan. It offered free education blending religious and general subjects. To show anti-colonialism non-religious subjects were taught in English.
In 1906 the organization amended its goals. It aimed to set up schools for all ethnicities as long as they were Muslim. The government approved because Jamiat Kheir had no political purposes. Abdullah bin Alwi Alatas supported this.
In 1907 Hajj Muhammad Mansyur started teaching. He advocated for Indonesian independence. He called for flying the national flag and unity. He was also knowledgeable in astronomy.
By 1908 Jamiat Kheir had relationships with Islamic leaders in the Middle East. These connections demonstrated Indonesians’ attitude toward Dutch rule.
In 1918 the government prohibited Jamiat Kheir from engaging with indigenous people. In 1919 it changed its article of association to become an education foundation. It was named the Education Foundation of Jamiat Kheir.
Jamiat Kheir continues as an educational foundation today. It runs schools in Tanah Abang. In 2005 it built another elementary school Binakheir in Depok.
Masjid Jami’iyatul Khoir stands as a symbol. It embodies the spirit of education social progress and resistance against colonialism. It also stands for religious devotion. It shaped Indonesian society during a transformative period. Its legacy continues to inspire.