- VIVA/Dani Randi
VIVA – As one of the countries with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia offers interesting mosques that span across the archipelago. Ancient mosques in Indonesia are scattered in various regions. As a country with a Muslim majority, the history of the spread of Islamic teachings is very extensive. The journey can be seen from the ancient mosques in Indonesia.
The mosques below become silent witnesses who witness how the spread of Islam in Indonesia. Not only that, this ancient mosque in Indonesia also keeps significant historical traces. Here are the ancient mosque that suitable for religious tourism in Indonesia:
1. Wapauwe Mosque, Maluku
Masjid Wapauwe di Maluku.
- U-Report
Wapauwe Mosque is located in Kaitetu, Leihitu, Central Maluku Regency, Maluku. This mosque is the oldest mosque in eastern Indonesia which was built in 1414. This mosque looks simply, made of known as gaba-gaba or midrib and has thatched roof. In addition, in terms of size, it’s only 10x10 meters.
The existence of the Wapauwe mosque is a witness to the history of the spread of Islamic teachings in the Maluku islands. Imam Muhammad Arikulapessy is the first imam in this mosque. In addition to its age, this mosque is said to have the oldest Koranic Mushaf in Indonesia.
2. Saka Tunggal Mosque, Central Java
Masjid Saka Tunggal, Banyumas
- wikimedia
The ancient mosque in Indonesia, the next is the Saka Tunggal Mosque. Located in Cikakak Village, Wangon, Banyumas, Central Java.
This mosque was built in 1288 which is engraved on the Main Pillar (Guru Saka) of the mosque. In fact, the process of building the Saka Tunggal Mosque is written in a book by Kyai Mustolih who is the founder of this mosque.
The name Saka Tunggal has a meaning because in the middle of this mosque there is a ting (single saka) as an illustration that God is one. On the 27th of Rajab, a pilgrimage will be held at the mosque and cleaning the grave of Kyai Jaro Mustolih.
3. Tuo Kayu Jao Mosque, West Sumatra
Masjid Tuo Kayu Jao di Jorong Kayu Jao, Nagari Batang Barus, Kecamatan Gunung Talang, Kabupaten Solok, Sumatera Barat.
- VIVA.co.id/Andri Mardiansyah
The Nurul Islam Koto Kayu Jao Mosque or Tuo Kayu Jao mosque is included in the ancient mosque in Indonesia. Located in Jorong Kayu Jao, Nagari Batang Barus, Gunung Talang District, Solok Regency, West Sumatra.
This mosque has been around for a long time, even according to various sources, the laying of the first stone was in the 17th century. Around the year 1599 this mosque was built. This mosque building is typical of Minangkabau which has a roof structure of three levels made of palm fiber.
This mosque has several renovations. However, its authenticity is maintained, it's just that the last renovation changed the paint color of this mosque which was previously white to blackish brown.
4. Ampel Mosque, East Java
Masjid Sunan Ampel di Surabaya
- easts2009.org
An ancient mosque located in Ampel, Semampir District, Surabaya City, East Java. The founder was one of the Wali Songo, namely Sunan Ampel. The tomb complex of Sunan Ampel is not far from this mosque.
Ampel Mosque is one of the religious destinations that must be visited in Surabaya. The mosque with a size of about 120x180 meters has been around since 1421. On the left side of the Ampel mosque yard, there is a well which is believed to be a lucky well.
5. Great Mosque of Demak, Central Java
Masjid Agung Demak.
- U-Report
The Great Mosque of Demak is one of the ancient mosques in Indonesia. Its founder was Raden Patah, the first king of the Demak Sultanate in the 15th century AD. Raden Patah was assisted by Wali Songo to build this mosque.
This mosque is even believed to have been a gathering place for the Wali Songo in the mission of spreading Islam.
Located in Kauman Village, Demak, Central Java. This mosque has a main building and a porch. The main building has four main pillars called Saka Guru. The pole is said to be made of wood chips, hence the name Saka Tatal. The roof is pyramid-shaped with eight pillars supporting it, which is called Saka Majapahit.
6. Palopo Old Mosque, South Sulawesi
Masjid Tua Palopo
- wikimedia
The sixth ancient mosque in Indonesia is the Old Mosque of Palopo. This mosque is located at Andi Djemma Street 88, Batupasi, North Wara, Palopo City, South Sulawesi. This mosque is a relic of the Luwu Kingdom and was founded by the King of Luwu named Datu Payung Luwu XVI Pati Pasaung Toampanangi Sultan Abdullah Matinroe.
Founded in 1604 AD with an area of ??15 square meters. The name Tua was given because of his old age, while Palopo is taken from the Bugis and Luwunese languages ??which have two meanings, namely first, food from a mixture of glutinous rice and sugar water and second, from the relationship in the construction process of this mosque.
Some people believe that when they come to Palopo City, it’s not official if they have not touched the main pillar of the Palopo Old Mosque. The pillar is made of Cinaduri tree, added with a wall that uses a mixture of egg whites.
7. Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Aceh
Masjid Raya Baiturrahman Aceh.
- U-Report
Baiturrahman Mosque is located on Moh street, New District. Baiturrahman, Banda Aceh City, Aceh. This mosque is a symbol of religion, culture, spirit, strength, struggle and nationalism of the Acehnese people.
Baiturrahman Grand Mosque survived the tsunami that hit Aceh on December 26, 2004.
Various sources write that the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque was originally built in 1612 during the reign of Sultan Iskandar Muda. In fact, some say this mosque was built earlier in 1292 by Sultan Alaidin Mahmudsyah.
