Masjid Jami' PITI Muhammad Cheng Hoo

Exploring the Unique Architecture of Masjid Jami' PITI Muhammad Cheng Hoo Purbalingga

Masjid Jami' PITI Muhammad Cheng Hoo, located in Selaganggeng Village, Mrebet District, Purbalingga Regency, Central Java, is more than just a regular place of worship. This building is a physical manifestation of deep cultural acculturation, bringing together distinctive Chinese aesthetics with Islamic spiritual values. Since its inauguration in 2011, this mosque has become an architectural icon in Central Java, attracting the attention of tourists, architects, and history enthusiasts.

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Historical Context and Construction Initiation

The construction of Masjid Cheng Hoo Purbalingga was initiated by the local Persatuan Islam Tionghoa Indonesia (PITI). The figure behind the grandeur of this building was H. Thohir (Liang Ghuat), a convert and local entrepreneur who wanted to create a place of worship that represented the identity of the Chinese Muslim community while also honoring the contributions of Admiral Cheng Hoo (Zheng He), a great mariner from China who spread peace and Islam in the Nusantara.

The construction of this mosque began around 2010 and was completed in a relatively short period. Unlike the Cheng Hoo Mosques in Surabaya or Palembang, which are located in city centers, the mosque in Purbalingga has a unique characteristic due to its location at the foot of Mount Slamet, providing a majestic natural backdrop for this colorful building.

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Architectural Characteristics and Visual Stylistics

Visually, Masjid Jami' PITI Muhammad Cheng Hoo Purbalingga is immediately recognizable by its dominant color palette: red, golden yellow, and green. Red in Chinese tradition symbolizes happiness and good fortune, while golden yellow symbolizes nobility. The use of these contrasting colors creates a strong visual statement amidst residential areas that tend to feature modern minimalist or traditional Javanese architecture.

The main structure of the building does not adopt the onion dome common in mosques in Indonesia, but rather uses a tiered roof or pagoda style. This roof has a steep pitch with upward-curving edges, resembling the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty or traditional temple buildings. The roof construction consists of several levels, symbolizing a staircase to higher spirituality.

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Facade Details and Symbolic Ornaments

The architectural uniqueness of this mosque lies in its ornamental details. At the entrance, there are arches resembling Paifang gates. The mosque walls are adorned with geometric carvings combined with Arabic calligraphy written in a style resembling Mandarin characters, a technique known as Sini.

One of the unique features is the presence of red lanterns hanging in the mosque's corridors. These lanterns are not just lighting fixtures but symbols of guiding light. The mosque's windows are designed in circular and octagonal (Ba Gua) shapes, which in Chinese philosophy symbolize the balance and harmony of the universe. Despite its strong Chinese elements, its primary function as a mosque is maintained through the presence of a mihrab facing the qibla with a simpler yet elegant design.

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Structural Innovation and Spatial Layout

Structurally, this mosque combines modern reinforced concrete techniques with traditional aesthetics. The main prayer hall is designed without many central pillars to provide a spacious and open feel, allowing worshippers an unobstructed view of the preacher or imam. The mosque floor uses quality marble, providing a cool sensation, a stark contrast to the warm wall colors.

The ventilation system at Masjid Cheng Hoo Purbalingga is designed naturally. Given its location in a highland area, the architects utilized wide openings on the sides of the building to allow cool mountain air to circulate well without excessive reliance on electric air conditioning. This demonstrates an awareness of sustainable architecture that adapts to the local climate.

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Social Significance and Symbolism of Acculturation

This mosque is not just an aesthetic achievement but also a sociological symbol. Its existence in Purbalingga proves that Islam is a universal religion that can blend harmoniously with any ethnic identity. This mosque serves as a cultural communication bridge between the Chinese ethnic group and the local Javanese community in rural Purbalingga.

For the surrounding community, this mosque is a source of pride. It functions as a center for religious activities, Al-Qur'an education, and the celebration of Islamic holidays. On the other hand, its presence stimulates local economic growth through religious tourism. Visitors from various regions come not only to worship but also to learn how two great cultures can unite in a building.

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Visitor Experience and Current Function

Currently, Masjid Jami' PITI Muhammad Cheng Hoo remains fully functional as a jami' mosque (main mosque for Friday prayers). Visitors are greeted by a calm and religious yet exotic atmosphere. The spacious parking area and supporting facilities such as clean and well-maintained ablution areas add to the visitors' comfort.

Walking through the mosque's corridors offers a unique sensory experience. The blend of the mountain air's aroma, the colorful pagoda visuals, and the echoing call to prayer creates a calming atmosphere. Many architecture students and cultural researchers visit this place to document how oriental elements can be applied to the typology of Islamic buildings without losing the sanctity of the place of worship.

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Conclusion

Masjid Jami' PITI Muhammad Cheng Hoo Purbalingga is a vernacular-contemporary architectural masterpiece in Central Java. It stands tall as a monument to tolerance and human creativity in interpreting faith through building art. Through the blend of pagoda roofs, bold red colors, and noble Islamic values, this mosque asserts that architectural beauty often arises from the courage to merge differences into a complete harmony. As an icon of Purbalingga, this mosque will continue to be a destination that inspires anyone who admires beauty in diversity.