Ramlie Musofa Mosque

The Grandeur of Sunter's Taj Mahal: Architecture and Philosophy of Ramlie Musofa Mosque

Masjid Ramlie Musofa stands tall as one of the most stunning religious architectural achievements in North Jakarta, precisely in the Sunter Agung area. Often dubbed the "Taj Mahal of Jakarta," this place of worship is not merely a visual replica of the monument of love in Agra, India, but an architectural manifestation of cultural acculturation, gratitude, and profound symbolism of tolerance. Built on a 2,000 square meter plot, this mosque offers a unique spatial experience, blending classic grandeur with functional modern details.

#

Historical Context and Vision of Establishment

Masjid Ramlie Musofa was inaugurated in 2016 after a construction process of approximately five years, which began in 2011. The name "Ramlie Musofa" itself is an acronym of the founder's name, Haji Ramli Rasidin, along with his wife and children (Ramli, Lie, Muhammad, Sofian, and Fabian).

Haji Ramli Rasidin, a convert of Chinese descent from Aceh, dreamed of a mosque that could serve as a platform for da'wah as well as a symbol of love for God and family. The inspiration from the Taj Mahal was taken for its meaning as a symbol of eternal love. However, Masjid Ramlie Musofa offers a new dimension: if the Taj Mahal is a king's monument of love for his wife, this mosque is a servant's monument of love for the Creator.

#

Architectural Style: A Blend of Four Cultures

Visually, Masjid Ramlie Musofa adopts a very strong Indo-Islamic architectural style, but within it lies a harmonious blend of four cultures: Indian, Arab, Chinese, and Indonesian.

1. Indian Influence (Taj Mahal): The dominance of white color derived from high-quality marble, as well as the presence of large domes and minarets at every corner of the building, immediately reminds visitors of the mausoleum in India. The arch shape of the entrance also follows the typical symmetrical pattern of Mughal architecture.

2. Arab Influence: The use of calligraphy of holy verses from the Al-Qur'an on the main walls uses a smooth and artistic writing style.

3. Chinese Influence: One of the most unique features is the presence of carvings of Al-Fatihah and other verses translated into Mandarin and Indonesian. This is a form of respect for the founder's origins as well as an effort to facilitate understanding for Chinese converts or tourists.

4. Indonesian Influence: The implementation of local elements is seen in the selection of materials adapted to Jakarta's tropical climate and the detail of interior ornaments involving local craftsmen.

#

Structure and Functional Innovation

The building consists of three floors with different functions. The ground floor or basement is used as a ablution area and a multipurpose hall. The second and third floors are the main prayer spaces.

One of the structural innovations worth noting is its accessibility system. The mosque is very friendly to people with disabilities and the elderly with the provision of elevator facilities and gentle ramp pathways. This is rarely found in classic-style mosque buildings which usually rely on many high stairs.

The building's facade is clad with high-quality Italian marble, giving a cool impression even in the hot weather of North Jakarta. The lighting at night is designed dramatically using spotlights that highlight the curves of the domes and calligraphic reliefs, creating an effect as if the building glows on the edge of Sunter Lake.

#

Unique Detail: Three-Language Calligraphy

The main uniqueness of Masjid Ramlie Musofa lies on the staircase walls leading to the main hall. Visitors will be greeted by carvings of Surah Al-Fatihah on the left and right sides of the stairs. Uniquely, these carvings are presented in three languages: Arabic (original text), Mandarin, and Indonesian.

The decision to include Mandarin is not merely aesthetic but a universal message that Islam is a religion for all worlds (Rahmatan lil 'Alamin). This also makes it an educational religious tourism destination, where visitors from various ethnic backgrounds can understand the messages conveyed in the holy book.

#

Visitor Experience and Social Significance

Upon entering the mosque's interior, visitors will experience a calm and grand atmosphere. Thick red carpets provide a beautiful contrast to the clean white walls. The dome's ceiling is adorned with intricate geometric patterns, creating a visual center that directs the gaze upwards, an architectural metaphor for always remembering the Almighty.

The mosque's location directly facing Sunter Lake adds to the landscape's aesthetic value. The reflection of the building on the water's surface in the afternoon often becomes a popular photography subject. However, behind its beauty, Masjid Ramlie Musofa continues to fulfill its function as a center for social activities. The mosque is active in orphan charity events, food distribution, and serves as a center for new converts.

#

Conclusion: A New Icon of North Jakarta

Masjid Ramlie Musofa is not just an achievement of civil engineering and architectural aesthetics, but a message about identity. It proves that architecture can be a bridge between ethnic identity (Chinese) and religious identity (Islam) without having to eliminate either.

With all the grandeur of its white marble, the detail of its three-language calligraphy, and the philosophy of love behind it, Masjid Ramlie Musofa has solidified its position as an iconic building in Jakarta. It stands as a representation of a modern, inclusive Jakarta rich in spiritual values, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to see the beauty of harmony in architectural form.