“A single mosque remaining,” Cholilah said. The story of Masjid Nurul Islam YBM is one of resilience. It stands amidst the modern landscape of Jakarta. This mosque has a rich history. It reflects the spirit of the community it serves.
Let’s step back in time to the 1960s. Masjid Nurul Islam YBM started as a small place of worship. It resembled a traditional Betawi house. Through the contributions of traders and the community, it grew. The land expanded to approximately 800 square meters thanks to endowments.
The Sudirman Central Business District or SCBD rose around it in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Many mosques and prayer houses disappeared. Masjid Nurul Islam YBM remained. It became a symbol of faith amid commercial development.
Cholilah Rodja is a local resident. She is also the treasurer of Masjid Nurul Islam YBM. She recounted how developers acquired many religious buildings. These developers were Artha Graha and Agung Sedayu. Masjid Nurul Islam YBM persevered. Only one other prayer house remains on Jalan Tulodong Atas. This prayer house might also be relocated.
The administrators of Masjid Nurul Islam YBM have long planned to expand. They envisioned a three-story building. A model was created about ten years ago. The estimated cost was Rp 4-6 billion. Today the cost would likely be double due to rising prices.
The expansion faces hurdles. For over a decade, administrators have struggled with permits. Cholilah felt that the city and provincial governments complicated the process. Officials insisted on permission from PT Artha Graha Group and PT Agung Sedayu Group. These groups hold land use permits for the SCBD area. Cholilah argues that this requirement is unreasonable. The community never surrendered the mosque’s land to developers.
Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. It also boasts the highest number of mosques and prayer houses. There are about one million across the country. The Ministry of Religious Affairs records approximately 700.000 official mosques and prayer houses. Around 30% are grand. 50% are well-maintained. 20% are simple.
Masjid Nurul Islam YBM’s story highlights a larger issue. Many believe mosques are not used to their full potential. They can empower communities economically. There is a need to boost the role of mosques. They can serve as centers for economic empowerment.
Even squeezed between modern buildings, Masjid Nurul Islam YBM perseveres. Its call to prayer is a testament. It shows the enduring strength of faith. The story of Masjid Nurul Islam YBM reflects Jakarta’s blend of tradition and progress. It reminds us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage.