Grand Mosque of Buton Palace (Masjid Agung Al-Muqarrabin)

The Grandeur of Masjid Agung Keraton Buton's Architecture: A Symbol of Spirituality and Sultanate Sovereignty

Masjid Agung Keraton Buton, officially known as Masjid Agung Al-Muqarrabin, is more than just a place of worship for Muslims in Southeast Sulawesi. Standing firmly on a hill within the Buton Palace Fortress complex in Bau-Bau, this mosque is an architectural masterpiece representing the peak of Islamic civilization's glory in Eastern Nusantara. As one of the oldest mosques in Indonesia, its structure holds a long narrative about the integration of theological values, the local wisdom of the Buton people, and a unique sultanate governance system.

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Historical Context and Construction Roots

The construction of Masjid Agung Keraton Buton is closely linked to the reign of the 19th Sultan of Buton, Sultan Sakiyuddin Durratul Falak, in the 18th century (around 1712). However, its historical roots trace back much further to the arrival of Islam in Buton. Unlike many grand mosques in Java that adopted Hindu-Javanese (tajug) architectural styles, Masjid Al-Muqarrabin possesses a visual identity deeply specific to Wolio culture.

The structure we see today is the result of renovations and reinforcements of previous buildings. Its construction involved the mutual cooperation of all people from various corners of the sultanate, where each building element was considered a representation of the unity of the Buton people under the banner of Islam. Its location at the highest point of the world's largest fortress serves a dual function: as a spiritual center and a strategic observation point for defense.

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Wolio Architectural Design Principles and Aesthetics

Architecturally, Masjid Agung Keraton Buton adopts a stilt house building form, later modified into a permanent structure. One of its most striking features is its double-tiered pyramid roof. This roof does not use a metal dome like modern mosques but maintains a traditional silhouette symbolizing the layers of the sky or spiritual levels in Sufism.

The primary materials used in the early construction phase were mountain stones bonded with a mixture of lime, sand, and egg whites as a very strong natural binding agent. This technique proved effective in making the building withstand extreme weather and earthquakes for centuries. The mosque's interior is dominated by selected teak and local woods carved with geometric and floral motifs, avoiding depictions of living beings in accordance with Islamic law.

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Structural Innovations and Unique Elements: Mystical Numbers

The main uniqueness of Masjid Agung Keraton Buton lies in the numerical philosophy applied to its structural elements. Almost every part of the building has symbolic meaning:

1. Support Pillars (12 Pillars): The building is supported by 12 main pillars. This number 12 refers to the number of leaders or officials in the Buton Sultanate's governance structure (Sara Buton). These pillars not only function as load-bearing supports but also serve as a reminder of the leaders' responsibilities to their people.

2. Secret Hole (Center of the Earth): Inside the mosque, there is a hole that is said to be called the "Center of the Earth" (Pusena Tanah). Architecturally, this is a very unusual element for a mosque. This hole is believed to emit a fragrant aroma at certain times and serves as a center of spiritual orientation for the Buton people.

3. Number of Stairs and Doors: There are 7 entrance doors symbolizing the seven orifices in the human body, and the number of stairs is arranged in such a way to symbolize the human journey towards God.

4. Giant Drum: The mosque has a very large bedug (Ganda), placed on the side of the building. This bedug was not only a marker for prayer times but also historically served as a mass communication tool to gather the people in emergencies or during traditional ceremonies.

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The 'Macua' Flagpole: A Marvel of Traditional Engineering

In front of the mosque, there is a wooden flagpole known as Kasulana Tombi. This pole stands over 20 meters tall and has been standing for hundreds of years without rotting, despite being exposed to sun and rain. The technical marvel of this pole lies in the selection of wood type and its preservation process, which was traditionally carried out by the sultanate's carpenters. This flagpole symbolizes the sovereignty of the Buton Sultanate, standing tall under the banner of Islam.

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Cultural and Social Significance

Masjid Al-Muqarrabin is the heart of Buton culture. To this day, the mosque is the main location for the traditional Santiago ceremony, which is a pilgrimage to the tombs of past sultans, as well as the Ma'atanoana ceremony, a tradition of collective prayer for the safety of the land.

The mosque also serves as a center for religious education. In the past, the mosque's veranda was used as a place for scholars and sultanate officials to discuss and decide on customary laws that were in harmony with Islamic law. The harmonious syncretism between Wolio customs and Islamic Sharia is strongly reflected in how the community treats this mosque—not just as a cultural heritage site, but as a living entity.

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Visitor Experience and Current Use

For tourists and pilgrims, visiting Masjid Agung Keraton Buton offers a profound sensory experience. Upon entering the fortress area, visitors are greeted by a serene and magical atmosphere. Cool breezes from the Banda Sea often blow through the wide wooden windows, creating natural air circulation that keeps the mosque's interior cool even without air conditioning.

Currently, the mosque remains fully functional as a congregational mosque for the five daily prayers and Friday prayers. Visitors are required to wear modest clothing and follow local etiquette, such as removing footwear well before reaching the veranda. Around the mosque, visitors can also see the remnants of the sultanate's palace ruins and the tomb of Sultan Murhum (the first Sultan of Buton to embrace Islam), which further strengthens the historical narrative of the area.

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Conclusion

Masjid Agung Keraton Buton (Al-Muqarrabin) is a monument to past architectural intelligence that successfully blends function, aesthetics, and philosophy. Its existence proves that Islamic architecture in Indonesia has diverse characteristics and is heavily influenced by its local context. With its sturdy wooden pillars, humble pyramid roof, and the secret of the "Center of the Earth" within, this mosque will continue to stand as a guardian of the Buton people's identity and an invaluable architectural gem of Southeast Sulawesi.