Did you know that the Mushola Polsek Pejompongan stands in a place with a unique history? Pejompongan, where this Mushola is located, has quite a story.
Let’s explore the origins of Pejompongan. The name Pejompongan comes from Kampong Djati and Kampong Pedjompongan. This name was already well-known during the VOC/Dutch era. Back then, Tanah Abang was inhabited by indigenous troops supporting the VOC/Dutch military. These troops came from Java. Their settlement became known as Tanah Abang.
The troops planted teak trees upstream. This area of teak forest became Kampong Djati. They also planted teak trees further upstream creating a new settlement called Pedjompongan. Kampong Pedjompongan became famous because the Kroekoet River was diverted through a canal to Angke.
Upstream from Kampung Pedjompongan a dam was built. It irrigated the rice fields in Pedjompongan. The area around this dam on the Krukut River then became Kampong Bendoengan. Later, the government capitalized on land in Pedjompongan. This land was called Land Laanhof. It was the first land owned by the Laanhof family.
The history of Pejompongan includes the placement of military support troops and canal construction. The construction of the dam is linked to Kampong Pedjompongan. Additionally, a clean water installation was built in Kampong Pedjompongan. This led to the area being called Perdjernihan or Penjernihan.
After Indonesia’s independence in the 1950s, the government transformed swamps and gardens into residential areas, factories, and schools. Pejompongan was one of these developments. Pejompongan was originally a middle to upper-class residential area. It was intended for military families, civil servants, and employees of other state institutions. This made it easier for them to work in the capital. A large hospital, the Naval Hospital Mintoharjo, is also located here.
The Naval Hospital started in the 1960s. Health services were provided on Jalan Cut Meutia. There were also maternity clinics on Jalan Citandui and Jalan Cidurian in Menteng. The Naval Health Command managed these clinics. Its office was located on Jalan Prapatan 48.
Since the 1980s, Pejompongan has been known for its popular culinary offerings. These include Sate Kambing Jono, Nasi Goreng Bumen, Bakso Saroja, Warung Tegal Warsap, and Nasi Uduk Bang Boim.
Pejompongan is north of the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex and east of Slipi. Administratively, Pejompongan is in the Tanah Abang District. It is mostly in the Bendungan Hilir Village. Pejompongan consists of seven blocks from A to G. Uniquely, all the streets in the area are named after lakes throughout Indonesia.
So, as you stand before the Mushola Polsek Pejompongan, remember the rich history of this area. From its origins as Kampong Djati and Kampong Pedjompongan to its development as a residential area for government employees. Pejompongan has a story to tell.