Masjid Tua Patimburak

Masjid Tua Patimburak: A Symbol of Islamic Harmony and Colonial Architecture in Papua

Masjid Tua Patimburak is more than just a place of worship; it is a living monument that records the long journey of Islam's spread on the Onin peninsula, Fakfak Regency, West Papua. Located in Kokas District, this mosque stands strong as a silent witness to the convergence of local traditions, the influence of the Sultanate of Maluku's power, and touches of European architecture. As one of the oldest mosques in Papua, Masjid Tua Patimburak holds deep narratives of tolerance and cultural acculturation.

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Historical Origins and Establishment

Masjid Tua Patimburak was founded in 1870, a period when the influence of the Sultanate of Tidore was very strong in the coastal areas of Papua. The key figure behind the mosque's construction was Abuhari Kilian, a religious leader in the region. The construction of this mosque was inseparable from the strategic role of the Kokas area as a meeting point for trade and Islamic da'wah brought by traders and scholars from Maluku.

Historically, the establishment of this mosque marked the strengthening of Muslim identity among the local tribes in Fakfak, especially the Mbaham Matta tribe. Its existence proves that Islam had taken root in Papua long before the peak of Dutch colonialism in the inland areas. The name "Patimburak" itself refers to the village where the mosque is located, which to this day still maintains strong Islamic traditions.

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Architecture: A Unique Blend of Two Worlds

One of the most striking aspects of Masjid Tua Patimburak is its unusual architectural style for a traditional mosque building in the Nusantara. The mosque adopts a blend of European colonial church forms and traditional mosque structures. This is clearly seen from the main building's hexagonal shape, resembling the architecture of public buildings or churches built by the Dutch in the 19th century.

The building structure uses selected local woods, especially ironwood (ulin wood), which is very strong and resistant to the coastal tropical weather. The roof is a tiered pyramid, but with angles that follow the hexagonal base shape of the building. At its peak, there is a small dome that signifies Islamic identity. This uniqueness reflects how the local community at that time absorbed visual influences from the colonial buildings they saw, yet still imbued them with the spirit and spiritual function of Islam.

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Historical Significance and Important Events

Masjid Tua Patimburak holds an important position in the history of the Fakfak people's struggle. During the Dutch colonial era and the Japanese occupation, this mosque often served as a meeting center for community leaders to strategize social and religious matters. Its existence became a symbol of cultural resistance, where religious identity became a unifier for indigenous Papuan citizens amidst colonial pressure.

One rarely known unique fact is that the mosque suffered damage during World War II. At that time, the Kokas area and its surroundings became a Japanese military defense base against Allied attacks. Several parts of the mosque were hit by shrapnel, but its main structure remained standing tall, a phenomenon that the local community considered a form of divine protection.

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Figures and Sultanate Influence

The relationship between Masjid Tua Patimburak and the Sultanate of Tidore is very close. At that time, Fakfak was under the administrative and spiritual influence of the Sultan of Tidore. The imams serving in this mosque often had direct lineage or mandate from Maluku, so the style of worship and religious traditions in Patimburak bore similarities to the inclusive "Maluku Islam" tradition.

The philosophy of "Satu Tungku Tiga Batu" (One Stove, Three Stones), which is the motto of the Fakfak people's life, is also reflected in the existence of this mosque. This motto symbolizes harmony between the three major religions (Islam, Protestant Christianity, and Catholicism) who support each other within a bond of kinship. Masjid Tua Patimburak often becomes a meeting point where residents from different religious backgrounds work together during renovation activities or major celebrations.

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Preservation and Restoration Status

As a Cultural Heritage Site, Masjid Tua Patimburak has undergone several renovation efforts to maintain its authenticity. The government, through the Cultural Preservation Center, has conducted regular conservation. Although there have been some material replacements, such as the roof which now uses zinc (previously likely using sago palm leaves or wood), the original wooden structure and main pillars inside the mosque are still preserved.

The mosque's paint color, dominated by white with green and yellow accents, is also the result of routine maintenance carried out by the villagers through self-help. These preservation efforts focus not only on the physical building but also on oral traditions and religious manuscripts kept by the elders of Patimburak village.

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The Importance of Culture and Religion Today

To this day, Masjid Tua Patimburak remains fully functional as a daily place of worship. Culturally, this mosque is the heart of social life in Kokas District. Every year, during Eid al-Fitr or the Prophet's Birthday, this mosque becomes a center of mass gatherings from surrounding villages, and even from the city center of Fakfak, which is quite far away via sea or land routes.

For tourists and researchers, Masjid Tua Patimburak is an interesting object of study regarding the history of Islam's entry into the eastern part of Indonesia. Its existence breaks the stigma that Papua's history is only centered on one specific narrative. This mosque proves that Papua is a very heterogeneous land with a complex and peaceful spiritual history.

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Unique Facts and Conclusion

One unique fact about Masjid Tua Patimburak is the presence of an old banyan tree near the mosque area, which is said to be almost as old as the building itself. This tree is considered a natural protector of the mosque from strong sea winds. Additionally, inside the mosque, there is an original wooden pulpit whose carvings show a blend of local Papuan flora motifs and simple Arabic calligraphy.

Masjid Tua Patimburak is an invaluable heritage. It stands as a reminder that at the western tip of Papua, there was and still is a civilization capable of blending architectural, political, and religious differences into a beautiful harmony. Preserving Masjid Tua Patimburak means preserving the nation's collective memory of Indonesia's diversity.