Bima Floating Mosque

The Grandeur of Bima Floating Mosque Architecture: Spiritual Harmony on the Shores of Amanwana Bay

Masjid Terapung Amahami, or more widely known as Masjid Terapung Bima, stands gracefully on the coast of Amahami Beach, Bima City, West Nusa Tenggara. As one of the masterpieces of contemporary architecture in Eastern Indonesia, this building is not just a place of worship, but a symbol of the resurgence of Bima's visual identity, blending Islamic theological values with the local wisdom of the Mbojo tribe.

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Design Philosophy and Architectural Typology

Typologically, Masjid Terapung Bima adopts a neo-vernacular architectural style. The architect of this mosque not only pursued modern aesthetics but also sought to deconstruct traditional Bima forms to be applied in the context of a religious building. The most prominent characteristic is the adaptation of the Uma Lengge roof shape, the traditional house of the Mbojo tribe which has a structure tapering upwards.

The use of a triple-tiered roof in this mosque represents the spiritual levels in Islam: Iman (Faith), Islam, and Ihsan (Excellence). However, instead of using straw material like in traditional houses, this mosque uses modern materials that are resistant to saltwater corrosion. This roof design is meticulously crafted to create optimal natural air circulation, considering the mosque's location in a coastal area that tends to be hot and humid.

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Structural Innovation Above the Sea Surface

Building on the sea surface presents significant technical challenges. Masjid Terapung Bima stands on hundreds of concrete piles deeply embedded into the seabed of Bima Bay. This structural innovation ensures the building remains stable against the impact of waves and sea currents, as well as having resistance to the relatively high earthquake risks in the Nusa Tenggara region.

One of the technical unique features of this mosque is its drainage and waste management system. As a building that is "floating" above the water, the disposal system is designed to be closed-loop to ensure no pollutants contaminate the marine ecosystem below. The connecting bridge between the land (beachfront) and the main mosque building serves as a spatial transition that mentally prepares worshippers from the hustle and bustle of the worldly life towards the solemnity of worship.

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Interior Ornamentation and Aesthetic Details

Upon entering the interior, visitors are greeted by a spacious main hall without many vertical partitions, giving a sense of openness and relief. The mosque's mihrab is designed with a touch of Arabic calligraphy combined with the Bunga Satako motif, a traditional Bima decorative motif symbolizing purity and elegance.

Natural lighting is a key element in the interior design. Large windows surrounding the main hall not only function as ventilation but also as "frames" that capture the panoramic view of Bima Bay. During high tide, the reflection of sunlight from the sea surface enters the room, creating a dynamic and calming visual effect on the mosque's walls. At night, the integrated LED lighting system on the building's facade makes the mosque appear to glow above the dark sea, creating a strong visual landmark for anyone entering Bima City from the sea or land routes.

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Cultural Context and Social Significance

Bima is known for its motto "Maja Labo Dahu" (Shame and Fear), a life principle deeply influenced by Islamic teachings. The construction of this Floating Mosque is an effort by the local government and community to manifest the identity of a religious "Waterfront City." This mosque serves as a melting pot for various segments of society.

The existence of this mosque has transformed the face of Amahami Beach, which was once perhaps just an ordinary coastline, into a social gravity center. For the local community, this mosque is a pride of place, proving that traditional Mbojo architecture can compete and coexist with global modern aesthetics. Socially, this mosque also functions as a center for Islamic education and community activities that strengthen the social cohesion of Bima residents.

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Visitor Experience and Religious Tourism

For tourists, visiting Masjid Terapung Bima offers a multisensory experience. The sound of waves lapping against the mosque's pillars becomes a natural background sound during prayer, providing a sense of tranquility rarely found in urban mosques. The outer courtyard area is often a favorite spot for locals to enjoy the sunset, where the silhouette of the mosque's Uma Lengge roof merges with the orange sky.

The mosque's accessibility is excellent, located at the city's entrance, making it a must-visit destination for travelers arriving in Bima. The presence of public areas around the mosque, such as parks and local culinary centers, supports a sustainable religious tourism ecosystem without diminishing the sacredness of the main mosque building itself.

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Conclusion: A Symbol of Harmony Between Nature and Faith

Masjid Terapung Bima is a tangible testament to how architecture can be a bridge between spiritual needs, cultural preservation, and natural challenges. By adopting traditional roof shapes and placing them over the sea, the mosque's architect has successfully created a dialogue between the earth (tradition), water (nature), and sky (divinity).

To this day, Masjid Terapung Bima continues to stand tall as an icon of Bima City's progress. It is not merely a structure of concrete and steel, but an artistic statement that asserts that the progress of the times does not have to bury the roots of tradition. This mosque will continue to be a beacon of faith for the Mbojo people and an inspiration for the development of contemporary Islamic architecture throughout the archipelago.