Old Muna Mosque

Old Muna Mosque: Traces of Islamic Civilization and Symbol of Muna Sultanate's Sovereignty

Masjid Tua Muna, or locally known as Masjid Loghia, stands as one of the most significant historical monuments in Southeast Sulawesi Province. Located in the Old Muna City (Wuna) area, this site is not merely a place of worship, but a silent witness to the sociopolitical transition of the Muna people from local beliefs to a structured Islamic civilization. As the heart of the former Muna Kingdom's capital, this mosque holds a long narrative of architecture, diplomacy, and steadfast faith.

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Origins and Periodization of Construction

The Old Muna Mosque is estimated to have been built during the reign of the 12th King (Raja) of Muna, La Ode Sumila (titled Omputo Sangia), who ruled in the 16th century. However, the current structure is the result of continuous construction that peaked during the reign of the 24th King of Muna, La Ode Husaini (Omputo I Kotano).

The establishment of this mosque marked an important phase in Muna's history, where Islam was officially accepted as the state religion. Its location within the defense fortress complex of the Old City (Benteng Loghia) indicates that the mosque served as the center of gravity for governance, where religious law and customary law (Adati) were integrated to regulate the lives of the Wuna people.

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Architectural Characteristics and Construction Details

Architecturally, the Old Muna Mosque represents a blend of the Muna ethnic group's local wisdom with the influence of Nusantara Islamic architecture. The main structure uses high-quality teak wood (Tectona grandis), which has been a prime commodity of Muna Island since ancient times.

One of the most unique features of this mosque is the use of a wooden construction system without iron nails. Building components are joined using dowel techniques and precise lashing systems, allowing the structure to remain flexible yet robust against earthquake tremors. Its roof is a tiered (tumpang) style, characteristic of ancient mosques in Indonesia, but with a slope adjusted to the tropical rainfall in Southeast Sulawesi.

The supporting pillars (tiang agung) inside the mosque hold deep philosophy. There are four main pillars symbolizing the four elements of human creation or the four major schools of thought in Islam. The carved ornaments on the pulpit and certain pillars feature floral motifs and simple calligraphy, reflecting cultural acculturation without abandoning the values of monotheism (tauhid).

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Historical Significance and Important Events

The Old Muna Mosque was not just a place of prostration, but also the site for the inauguration of Muna Kings and high-ranking royal officials (Bhonto Bhalano). It was in this area that oaths of office were taken under the guidance of the Quran, emphasizing that a king's power was limited by Islamic law and the interests of the people.

One of the historical events associated with this site is the resistance against colonialism. In the early 20th century, the area around the mosque became a mental defense base for Muna fighters in facing the Dutch military expansion. The mosque served as a gathering place for scholars and customary leaders to devise defense strategies, making it a symbol of sovereignty that was not only spiritual but also political.

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Central Figures

The history of the Old Muna Mosque cannot be separated from the role of early Islamic scholars in Muna, such as Syekh Abdul Wahid, who is believed to have brought Islamic influence from Buton and Makassar. Furthermore, the figure of La Ode Husaini (Omputo I Kotano) is very prominent because during his reign, the mosque's governance and the integration of Sharia into the Muna Kingdom's constitution (Konstitusi Loghia) were systematically strengthened.

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Cultural and Religious Dimensions

For the Muna people, this mosque is the "Center of the Earth" (Pusatna Tangkeno). During every major celebration such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the Prophet's Birthday (Maulid Nabi), the Old Muna Mosque becomes a magnet for thousands of pilgrims and descendants of Muna nobility to return to their roots.

There is a unique tradition often practiced at this mosque, which is a collective prayer involving customary and religious leaders to pray for the safety of the land (Doa Selamanti). The integration of Islamic values with the local tradition of "Katoba" (child's Islamization ceremony) is also often associated with the noble values emanating from the existence of this historic mosque.

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Preservation and Restoration Status

As a cultural heritage site protected under the auspices of the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) Region XIX, the Old Muna Mosque has undergone several stages of conservation. The main challenge in preservation is maintaining the authenticity of the teak wood, which is beginning to show signs of decay due to age.

Restorations carried out by the government always prioritize the principle of authenticity. Material replacement is only done on severely damaged parts using the same type of wood and traditional carpentry techniques. The area around the mosque is also arranged to maintain the aesthetics of the old city, including the protection of the remaining fortress walls that surround it.

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Unique Facts and Specialties

One rarely known unique fact is the existence of a water source around the mosque that never dries up, even though Muna Island is known as a karst region that tends to be arid. This water is used for ablution and is considered to bring blessings by the local community. Furthermore, the mosque's qibla orientation was calculated with great accuracy by scholars of the past using traditional methods based on star positions, which, even after verification with modern technology, shows remarkable accuracy.

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Conclusion

The Old Muna Mosque is a manifestation of the Muna people's religious and cultural identity. It stands tall across the ages, from the era of royal glory to the period of independence, carrying a message about the harmony between religion, power, and nature. Its presence on Wuna land is a reminder that the progress of a nation's civilization must not detach itself from its historical roots and spiritual values laid down by its ancestors. As a historical site, it is an invaluable treasure for Indonesia, especially in understanding the spread of Islam in the eastern part of the archipelago.