“Ever heard of a mosque founded by a Jakartan prince?” That’s the story of Musholla Al-Amaliyah. This isn’t just another mosque. It stands as a testament to the resilience and struggle of Pangeran Jayakarta the founder of Jakarta.
The story of Musholla Al-Amaliyah begins in 1620. Pangeran Jayakarta or Achmad Djaketra built it. He was fighting against the Dutch VOC. In 1619, his forces clashed with the VOC led by Governor-General Jaan Pieter Zoon Coen.
Pangeran Achmad Djaketra lost the battle. He and his troops fled east of Jakarta. The VOC thought they had killed him. But they only shot his robe and turban in a well.
Pangeran Jayakarta escaped to the area now known as Jatinegara Kaum. It was then a forest with many teak trees. He established a new government there called Jatinegara Kaum or true state. He also built Musholla Al-Amaliyah. It was a place to gather fighters, thugs, and Islamic scholars. They continued to fight the Dutch and spread Islam in Sunda Kelapa.
The mosque has been renovated many times. Pangeran Sageri, son of Sultan Fatah of Banten, first renovated it around 1700 AD. He joined Pangeran Jayakarta after a dispute with his brother, Sultan Haji. The Dutch had appointed Sultan Haji ruler of Banten.
The north, west, and south sides of the mosque are original. The east side was rebuilt to expand the mosque. The original roof was a single limasan with clay ornaments. The added main room has a three-tiered limasan roof that curves upwards like a Chinese building.
The mimbar or pulpit is like a chair with three steps. It is located on the west side. The mosque has a square tower built during a renovation. It has air vents on all four sides.
Pangeran Jayakarta, his family, and Pangeran Sageri are buried in the mosque complex. The graves of his descendants are in the back of the mosque. Only his descendants can be buried there.
The mosque once had heirlooms like a rosary and a gobang. The rosary had VOC coins with holes in them. The gobang was a warning signal. Both items are now lost.
The four supporting pillars connecting the upper tower are original. They are made of teak wood. The tower has unique carvings of Arabic letters shaped like honeycombs. These features have been preserved.
On January 13, 1961, Jakarta’s Governor Dr. Soemarno named the mosque As-Salafiyah. This was during the Isra Mi’raj celebration. Assalafiyah means followers of the righteous predecessors. It refers to the first three generations of Muslims.
In 1993, the historic mosque became a cultural heritage site. This was under Governor’s Decree No. 475 of 1993.
Musholla Al-Amaliyah is more than a building. It represents Jakarta’s history, the fight against colonialism, and the spread of Islam. Visiting here connects you to the past. It reminds us of the people who shaped this city.