How about a mosque born from a competition? The Said Naum Mosque stands before us. It is more than just a place of worship. It is a testament to Jakarta’s architectural evolution.
Back in 1975, the Jakarta Municipal Government sought innovative designs. They wanted a religious center that reflected Indonesian tradition. Eight prominent Indonesian firms participated. The Said Naum Mosque was part of this ambitious project. It included an ablution building, a car park, and landscaped areas.
Atelier Enam’s proposal won the jury’s favor. They became the principal architect. Their vision sought to blend Hindu-Javanese architecture with Islamic philosophy. The goal? A peaceful refuge in a busy urban environment.
Said Naum Mosque sits in a densely populated area. Middle-income housing lies to the north. Prefabricated, low-cost housing is to the south. Roads flank the east and west. The entrance faces east. Across this road, you will find another low-income, densely populated area. The west road leads to a madrasa next to the mosque.
Local architecture typically features small houses. They have sloping roofs made of thatch or tiles. However, modern materials are slowly replacing traditional ones. Masonry walls, cement floors, and corrugated iron roofs are becoming common.
Notice the mosque’s square plan. It is a symmetrical building. Deep verandahs surround all sides. The tiled roof slopes gently. A lantern with patterned painted glass runs along the ridges. This design allows for natural ventilation.
Exposed timber rafters run along the roof’s length. They conceal a steel-frame structure. The walls consist of brick and plaster. Each wall has five arched windows. Some windows even function as doors. The central opening in the west wall houses the mihrab. Decorative tiles delineate the praying rows on the floors.
The Said Naum Mosque retains features of traditional Javanese mosques. The roof is most noticeable. It evolved from simple house forms. The main roof and lantern resemble the Sakaguru type roof. However, some differences exist. The design eliminates the four central columns. This provides an unobstructed view of the mihrab. It also opens up prayer space.
A steel frame roof replaces wooden structure. This was needed because of the removal of the central columns. Also, the rotation of the central roof lantern is unique. It breaks from the multi-layered Meru roofs of Javanese architecture.
The Said Naum Mosque serves as a religious center. It also acts as a place for social activity. Said Naum himself was a Kapitan Arab in Batavia. He was known for his charities. He donated lands for schools and cemeteries. The mosque stands as a testament to his legacy. It is a blend of architectural styles. It is a refuge in Jakarta’s urban sprawl.