At-Taqwa Grand Mosque Putussibau

Traces of Islamic Civilization in the Upper Kapuas River: The History of At-Taqwa Grand Mosque Putussibau

At-Taqwa Grand Mosque Putussibau is more than just a place of worship for the community in the heart of Borneo; it is a living monument that records the long journey of Islamic propagation in the Kapuas Hulu region, West Kalimantan. Strategically located on the banks of the Kapuas River, this mosque stands as a silent witness to how riverine civilization has shaped the religious and social identity of the local community for over a century.

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Historical Roots and Establishment

The history of At-Taqwa Grand Mosque cannot be separated from the dynamics of local power in the inland areas of Kalimantan in the late 19th century. Based on oral records and preserved historical documents, the genesis of this mosque began to be conceived during the leadership of Prince Laksamana (Abang Ahmad) around the 1880s. Putussibau at that time was a vital trade junction, where forest products from the upper river met traders coming from Pontianak and Sarawak.

The construction of this mosque was driven by the need for a representative place of worship for the growing Muslim community, which consisted of indigenous Malay people, Dayak people who had embraced Islam (Senganan Tribe), and migrant traders. Officially, the first permanent building was completed around 1900, making it one of the oldest religious structures in the Kapuas Hulu Regency.

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Vernacular Architecture and Belian Wood Material

Architecturally, At-Taqwa Grand Mosque Putussibau is a brilliant representation of Kalimantan Malay vernacular architecture. The most prominent characteristic is the use of Belian wood (ironwood) as the primary material. Belian wood was chosen not only for its strength, capable of withstanding hundreds of years of extreme tropical weather, but also as a symbol of the steadfast faith of the local community.

The original structure of the mosque adopted a stilt house concept to anticipate the frequent flooding of the Kapuas River during the rainy season. Its roof is a tiered (layered pyramid) shape, influenced by the architecture of ancient mosques in the Nusantara, particularly Java and Sumatra, but with a local modification of a steeper roof pitch to accelerate rainwater runoff.

The interior of the mosque showcases exceptional woodworking skills. The main supporting pillars (soko guru) are made from solid, unjointed Belian wood logs, installed using traditional wooden peg techniques without iron nails. Intricate carvings of floral and geometric motifs adorning the pulpit and ventilation openings reflect a blend of Islamic aesthetics with local Kalimantan wisdom.

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Strategic Role in Movement and Education

Throughout its history, At-Taqwa Grand Mosque has served more than just a place for the five daily prayers. During the Dutch colonial era, the mosque became a secret meeting point for local freedom fighters to coordinate resistance movements and discuss the fate of the people in the upstream region. Its riverside location facilitated fighters to come and go by boat without attracting the suspicion of colonial patrols, which were usually land-based.

In the field of education, this mosque was the first religious learning center in Putussibau before the emergence of formal madrasahs. Prominent religious figures, such as scholars from Hadramaut and local scholars graduated from Mecca, often used the mosque's veranda as a place for "halaqah" or the study of yellow books. This is why Putussibau is known as one of the strong centers of religiosity in West Kalimantan.

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Important Figures and Name Transformation

The name "At-Taqwa" itself was not immediately bestowed from the beginning. Initially, the community only knew it as "Masjid Jami' Putussibau" or "Masjid Besar" (Grand Mosque). The name At-Taqwa was given during renovations and administrative processes in the post-independence era to provide a more specific identity. Some important figures recorded in the history of the mosque's development include Abang Ishak and the extended royal family who, generation after generation, became the main donors and caretakers (nadzir) of the mosque.

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Preservation and Restoration Efforts

As a still actively functioning historical site (living monument), At-Taqwa Grand Mosque has undergone several renovations. The biggest challenge in preserving this mosque is its very close proximity to the riverbank, meaning the threats of abrasion and decay due to high humidity are always present.

The Regional Government of Kapuas Hulu Regency, along with the Center for Cultural Heritage Preservation, has included this mosque in the list of suspected cultural heritage objects. In several restoration efforts, great care has been taken to preserve the original parts, especially the main pillar structure and the ancient pulpit. Although the floor and wall sections have undergone significant modernization with the use of cement and ceramic tiles for the comfort of the congregation, the spirit of the Belian wood architecture in the roof and supporting structures remains preserved as its original identity.

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Cultural Meaning and Symbol of Togetherness

For the people of Putussibau, At-Taqwa Grand Mosque is a symbol of harmony. Around this mosque, life proceeds harmoniously between Muslims and followers of other religions residing in the Putussibau market area. The tradition of "Saprahan," or communal dining while sitting on the floor, often held at this mosque during Islamic holidays, serves as a means to strengthen social bonds among residents.

The presence of this mosque also serves as a reminder of the history of river transportation. In the past, every motorboat traveling upstream (mudik) or downstream (towards Pontianak) would use the mosque's minaret as a navigation reference point. The call to prayer echoing from this mosque reaches across the river, marking the pulse of Putussibau town's life every day.

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Conclusion

At-Taqwa Grand Mosque Putussibau is an invaluable heritage of civilization for West Kalimantan. It is a blend of spiritual grandeur, the resilience of Belian wood material, and the long history of the Kapuas Hulu community's struggle. Preserving the existence of this mosque means preserving the collective memory of how Islam entered, developed, and colored life in the heart of Borneo. As a historical site, it stands tall against time, inviting future generations not to forget the cultural and faith roots that have been firmly planted on the banks of the Kapuas River.