Mesjid Al-Makmur

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Jakarta, a whisper of history echoes through the minarets of Mesjid Al-Makmur. This mosque, nestled on Jalan Raden Saleh Raya in Cikini, Central Jakarta, holds a story as rich and layered as the city itself. Mesjid Al-Makmur is one of the oldest mosques in the area. It was once known as Tjikini Mosque. Originally, the mosque stood on land belonging to Raden Saleh, a renowned 19th-century painter. Local legend says Raden Saleh himself granted permission for a prayer house on his estate around 1850. Years later, in 1897, Raden Saleh’s wife sold the estate to the Alatas family. The Alatas family were prominent landowners and officials. This sale set in motion a chain of events that would test the resilience of Mesjid Al-Makmur. Thirty years later, part of the estate, excluding the mosque due to an ownership dispute, was sold to Koningin Emma Stichting. This foundation later established Cikini Hospital. The original mosque structure, a simple building, was relocated to the banks of the Ciliwung River. This allowed worshippers to perform wudu. However, the mosque’s journey was far from over. After winning the legal dispute, Sayyid Ismail Alatas sold the land where the mosque stood to Koningin Emma Stichting in 1923. The hospital requested the mosque be moved again. The mosque authorities refused. They considered the land a waqf, a legacy from Raden Saleh. To secure its future, a committee was formed to rebuild Mesjid Al-Makmur into a permanent structure. Influential figures like Agus Salim, Mas Mansur, and Cokroaminoto were part of this committee. Between 1932 and 1934, with funding from Sarekat Islam, the mosque underwent extensive renovations and expansion. This solidified its presence, despite its uncertain legal status. Mesjid Al-Makmur remained in this legal limbo for decades. Finally, in 1991, Cikini Hospital officially granted the land to the mosque. This marked the end of a long struggle. Today, Mesjid Al-Makmur stands as a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the community. It serves as a reminder of the mosque’s long history.