Five thousand square meters. That’s the footprint of Masjid Rohmatul Muhajirin. A sprawling mosque in Cengkareng West Jakarta. It stands proudly. It’s a testament to the faith and resilience of its community.
Masjid Rohmatul Muhajirin wasn’t always this grand. Built in 1990 by the Jakarta Provincial Government. It was a response to the needs of the Rusun Flamboyan residents. They needed a place of worship. A sanctuary. The name itself tells a story. Rohmatul Muhajirin means “bringing blessings to those who migrate”. A fitting name for a mosque serving a community of diverse backgrounds and origins. Many were perantau. People who had left their homes seeking a better life.
This isn’t just any mosque. It’s a vibrant hub. A place where the faithful gather. They pray. They share. They build community. The two-story structure is cleverly designed. The ground floor acts as a community space. It’s used for social interaction. It also serves as a prayer hall for Friday prayers and Eid celebrations. The upper floor. That’s dedicated solely to prayer. A wise decision considering the low-lying area’s susceptibility to floods. It can accommodate five hundred worshippers.
But Masjid Rohmatul Muhajirin is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s an eco-friendly oasis. Surrounded by forty large trees. Mostly fruit trees. Mangoes. Jambu. Belimbing. Even kelor trees. The fruits are shared among the congregation and the wider community. The courtyard. It’s not covered in concrete. Instead. Grass blocks create a verdant space. Flowering plants and ornamental shrubs thrive. Adding beauty to this tranquil setting.
Aquaponics. An innovative farming technique is implemented here. Fish and vegetables are grown together. This eco-friendly system provides fresh produce. It supports the local community. The initiative isn’t limited to the mosque grounds. It extends to the surrounding Rusun. Providing residents with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Masjid Rohmatul Muhajirin is a place of faith. A community center. An environmentally conscious haven. It’s a testament to the power of community. The resilience of the human spirit. It’s a shining example of how a mosque can be much more than a place of worship. It can be the heart of a community. A beacon of hope and sustainability in the heart of Jakarta.