How often does a building become a tribute? Mushala At Taufiq stands not just as a place of worship but as a heartfelt memorial to Taufiq Kiemas. It is located on Jl. Koja I. This mosque’s story is quite unique.
Megawati Soekarnoputri of the PDI Perjuangan party conceived of Mushala At Taufiq to honor her late husband. She asked President Jokowi to pray for Taufiq Kiemas there. Her daughter, Puan Maharani, then brought her mother’s idea to life. The first stone was laid in June 2018 and construction finished in July 2020. The opening was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The location of Mushala At Taufiq is significant. It stands on the grounds of the PDI-Perjuangan DPP Party School. This was once a party office. The school trains party members from all over Indonesia. Many are Muslim. The existing prayer space became too small. Megawati wanted to provide a proper place for them to worship. Especially for Friday prayers.
Mushala At Taufiq is more than just a place for prayer. It is also a space for community. The mosque can accommodate social activities. It promotes the values of Pancasila, the Indonesian philosophical foundation. The mosque’s design reflects Indonesian identity. Some say it has Minangkabau nuances. This is fitting as Taufiq Kiemas had Minang heritage. Megawati also has Minang roots through her mother, Fatmawati.
The mosque has two floors. The ground floor features an ablution room, toilets and an auditorium. Men’s and women’s ablution areas are separate. The auditorium hosts parties and wedding receptions. It is open to various groups for seminars and discussions. This floor also serves as an extension of the prayer area. It is especially useful during Friday and Eid prayers.
The second floor is the main prayer hall. Its towering roof symbolizes the greatness of Allah. The interior has filigree ornaments. These add to the Islamic design and provide natural ventilation. Skylights provide natural light and create a dramatic ambiance. The mihrab features black material. This reflects the black stone in the Kaaba. Spotlights make the mosque stunning at night. Their shadows create unique patterns.
The landscape includes existing trees. A staircase provides access to the second-floor prayer room. It also serves as part of the facade. The staircase doubles as an amphitheater. It offers a comfortable space for discussion and relaxation. People can seek shelter under the shady vegetation.
PP Bamusi uses Mushala At Taufiq for events during Ramadan. The mosque provides Muslims with a representative place of worship. The hall on the first floor can accommodate 500 people. The prayer room is on the second floor. Locals rely on the mosque for worship and social events. It hosted a tahlilan event in June 2021. This commemorated the eighth anniversary of Taufiq Kiemas’s death.
Mushala At Taufiq stands as a lasting tribute. It honors Taufiq Kiemas’s memory. It serves the community. It embodies Indonesian identity. It is a beautiful blend of faith, remembrance and community spirit.