“Ever heard of a prince who became a fugitive and a mosque that doubled as a war room?” I ask. You are standing before Musholla Assalimiyah. This is no ordinary place of worship. It is a living testament to Jakarta’s fight for freedom. It embodies the spirit of resistance.
Welcome to Musholla Assalimiyah. This humble mosque carries echoes of battles fought and strategies hatched. It is a sanctuary with a story etched in its very foundation.
Back in 1619 Prince Jayakarta found himself in a desperate situation. The Dutch VOC forces under Jan Pieterszoon Coen had breached his defenses. The prince had to retreat eastward.
He left behind his royal garments in a well to mislead his enemies. The Dutch thought they had killed him. But Prince Jayakarta was far from defeated.
He and his followers fled to the area now known as Jatinegara Kaum. There in 1620 he established a new settlement and built a mosque. This was Musholla Assalimiyah.
The mosque served as more than just a place of prayer. It was a strategic command center where Prince Jayakarta planned his resistance against the Dutch. This mosque represents defiance.
His son Pangeran Senapati continued the struggle. He ventured far from Jayakarta. He spread Islamic teachings. He eventually settled in Cibarusah Bekasi. There he founded Masjid Al Mujahidin Cibarusah. It became a stronghold against Dutch colonialism.
Prince Jayakarta passed away in 1640. He was laid to rest within the grounds of the mosque he founded. His final resting place became a symbol of his enduring legacy.
Musholla Assalimiyah has undergone several renovations. It has been expanded over the centuries. However key elements of the original structure remain. Four pillars at the front of the mosque still stand. These serve as silent witnesses to its rich past.
Since 1993 Musholla Assalimiyah has been recognized as a cultural heritage site. The Governor’s Decree number 475 protects it. Today the mosque stands on 7000 square meters. The building itself covers 450 square meters. It can accommodate 800 worshipers. It is managed by 25 dedicated individuals.
Legend says that the mosque once housed sacred objects. These included prayer beads made with VOC coins and a gobang sword. This sword was used as a warning signal. Sadly these artifacts have been lost to time.
However the mosque still has unique features. The minaret features Arabic script carved in the shape of a honeycomb. This showcases a blend of artistry and devotion.
As you stand here remember Prince Jayakarta. He transformed a place of worship into a symbol of hope and resistance. Musholla Assalimiyah stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Jakarta. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom. It is a place where history and faith intertwine. It is a place that continues to inspire generations.