Masjid Polda Bali

Has anyone ever heard the call to prayer echoing from a place quite unexpected? Here, right next to the Bali Police Headquarters in Denpasar, stands Masjid Polda Bali, also known as Masjid At-Taqwa. It’s a fascinating blend of faith and civic duty. Masjid At-Taqwa’s story begins in 1971. It started as a modest structure. Then it underwent a significant transformation. In 1995, the original building was demolished. A new, larger mosque was completed in 1997. This expansion allowed it to accommodate the growing community. The mosque continued to evolve. Another renovation was finalized in 2013. Today, Masjid Polda Bali is a two-story building. It has two striking minarets that frame the entrance. The roof is a unique limasan tumpang dua style. It’s recognizable for its layered, sloping design. Notably, Masjid At-Taqwa is the only mosque in Denpasar with a beduk. A beduk is a large, traditional drum used to signal prayer times. This distinction adds to the mosque’s cultural significance. The mosque has witnessed a unique moment in Bali’s history. In 2014, Bali’s Police Chief, Irjen Pol Albertus Julius Benny Mokalu, converted to Islam. He took his shahada, the declaration of faith, at his residence. While not at Masjid At-Taqwa itself, the event marked a significant interfaith moment for the island and the police force. Masjid Polda Bali continues to serve the police force and the wider community. It’s a symbol of religious harmony in the heart of Denpasar.