Listen closely. Does the name Al-Anshor Mosque sound familiar? Al-Anshor Mosque may be Jakarta’s oldest mosque. It stands here in Pekojan. It was built in 1648.
The Al-Anshor Mosque’s story began with a pastor’s report. The report went to the Council of Church in 1648. Back then, Al-Anshor Mosque was more than just a place to pray. It was a religious school. People studied the Koran here in Kampung Pekojan.
Traders founded Al-Anshor Mosque. They came from Gujarat and Bengal. They visited Jakarta for trade. Adolf Heuken SJ wrote about this in his book History of Jakarta. He noted that Yemeni and Indian Muslims settled in Pekojan. From here, they spread Islam. They went to Krukut and Sawah Besar. They went to Jati Petamburan and Tanah Abang. They went to Kwitang, Jatinegara and Cawang.
Al-Anshor Mosque stands on wakaf land. This land belonged to Indian citizens. The certificate number is M.166. It is dated 18-03-92. AIW / PPAIW: W3 / 011 / c / 4/1991 is dated 8-5-1991. The government of DKI Jakarta protects Al-Anshor Mosque. It is a cultural heritage site.
The Al-Anshor Mosque is simple. It has no minarets or domes. It is not luxurious. It looks more like a house than a mosque. It stands in a densely populated area. Four straight wooden beams act as pillars. They are unadorned.
Al-Anshor Mosque was built in 1648. It is hard to say which parts are original. The mosque was updated in 1973 and 1985. This changed the old style.
Imagine the traders who first prayed here. Picture the students learning the Koran. Consider the spread of Islam from this very spot. The Al-Anshor Mosque is a testament to Jakarta’s rich history. It connects us to the past. It reminds us of the power of faith.