Pekojan, Kampung Arab Pertama di Batavia | @Jakarta

Summary

Pekojan, a historical kampung in Jakarta, is a testament to the city's rich Islamic heritage. Established through the Arab and Indian trade routes in the 7th century, it flourished by the 13th century as a center of Islamic culture. Notable landmarks like the **Masjid Jami Annawier** and **Langgar Tinggi** reflect its cultural diversity, blending Arabic, Malay, Chinese, and European influences in architecture. These sites, though challenged by time and urban growth, remain vital symbols of Jakarta’s religious history, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant past and its ongoing cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, making it a significant center of Islam.
• 😀 Islam entered Indonesia in the 7th century through trade, especially from Arab and Indian Gujarat merchants.
• 😀 Pekojan, an Arab village in Batavia (now Jakarta), is a historical site and symbol of Islamic spread in the area.
• 😀 The architecture of historic buildings in Pekojan reflects the history and Islamic influence during Dutch colonial times.
• 😀 The Masjid Jami Annawier in Pekojan, a significant mosque, has been restored to preserve its cultural and religious value.
• 😀 Masjid Jami Annawier holds special architectural features, such as 33 pillars representing the number of times praise is said to Allah.
• 😀 The mosque also has four doors representing the four main companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and five doors on the east side symbolizing the Five Pillars of Islam.
• 😀 Langgar Tinggi, another important site in Pekojan, was established in 1829 and has both Islamic and cultural significance.
• 😀 The architecture of Langgar Tinggi reflects a blend of Malay, European, Arabic, Chinese, and Javanese styles.
• 😀 Although some of Pekojan's historical buildings face deterioration, their historical importance must be preserved as cultural heritage for future generations.

Q & A

Why is Indonesia referred to as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world?

Indonesia is home to a significant number of Muslims, which is why it is often called the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. Islam entered Indonesia through trade with Arabs and Indians from Gujarat in the 7th century and expanded in the 13th century.

How did Islam first spread in Indonesia?

Islam first entered Indonesia through trade by Arab and Indian merchants from Gujarat. The spread began in the 7th century and gained further momentum by the 13th century.

What is the significance of Kampung Arab Pekojan in Jakarta?

Kampung Arab Pekojan holds historical significance as a site where Islam was propagated in Jakarta. It houses important Islamic heritage sites like Masjid Jami Annawier and Langgar Tinggi, reflecting the region's Islamic cultural legacy.

Why is Kampung Arab Pekojan also known as a place for traders?

Historically, Pekojan was a hub for Muslim traders from the Middle East, particularly from Yemen. The Dutch colonial government used this area to regulate trade and manage these traders, who settled and intermarried with the local population.

What role did the Dutch play in the history of Pekojan?

During the 18th century, the Dutch colonial government designated Pekojan as a settlement for Muslim immigrants, particularly from Yemen. The Dutch used the area to manage trade and control the movement of traders from Arabia and India.

What is the current demographic makeup of Pekojan?

While historically home to many Arab-Muslims, Pekojan is now predominantly inhabited by people of Chinese descent. The original Arab community gradually moved away due to competition in trade.

What is the architectural significance of Masjid Jami Annawier in Pekojan?

Masjid Jami Annawier, with a history spanning over centuries, is architecturally significant for its design, which includes symbolic elements like 33 pillars representing the number of praises to Allah, 4 doors symbolizing the four main companions of the Prophet Muhammad, and 5 doors symbolizing the five pillars of Islam.

What makes Langgar Tinggi unique among other mosques in Jakarta?

Langgar Tinggi is unique due to its architectural blend of Malay, European classical, Arabic, Chinese, and Javanese styles. It was originally used as a resting place for Muslim traders and later became a mosque for the local community.

How does the design of Langgar Tinggi reflect cultural fusion?

Langgar Tinggi's design combines Malay-style raised floor architecture, European classic round columns, Chinese wooden beam supports, and a Javanese-style floor plan. This fusion reflects the diverse cultural influences in the region.

What challenges does Langgar Tinggi face today?

Langgar Tinggi suffers from a lack of proper maintenance, leading to a physical deterioration of the building. Despite its historical importance and potential as a tourist site, it is not well-preserved.