Sultan Syafiuddin Grand Mosque

The Splendor of Wooden Architecture: Exploring the Sultan Syafiuddin Grand Mosque of Sambas

Masjid Jami' Sultan Syafiuddin, more commonly known as Masjid Jami' Sambas, is a masterpiece of vernacular architecture standing proudly at the confluence of a small river and the Great Sambas River. Located in Desa Dalam Kaum, Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan, this mosque is not merely a place of worship, but a symbol of the glory of the Sambas Sultanate and a testament to the timeless ingenuity of Nusantara wooden architecture.

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Historical Context and Development Evolution

The construction of Masjid Jami' Sultan Syafiuddin is intrinsically linked to the long history of Islam's spread in West Borneo. The current structure is the result of extensive renovations and expansions initiated by Sultan Muhammad Syafiuddin II in the late 19th century (around 1885). Previously, the mosque was a smaller wooden building founded by Sultan Umar Akamuddin II.

Sultan Syafiuddin II's decision to build a grander mosque was driven by the need for a spiritual center capable of accommodating an increasing number of worshippers and the desire to solidify the Sambas Sultanate's identity as a hub of Islamic civilization in the region. Its construction involved the finest wood craftsmen of the era, who employed traditional joinery techniques without the predominant use of metal nails.

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Design Principles and Architectural Style

Typologically, Masjid Jami' Sultan Syafiuddin adopts the traditional Malay-Nusantara architectural style with strong influences from tropical building concepts. The most striking features are the stilted structure and the tiered roof (atap tumpang).

The mosque features a three-tiered roof (tumpang tiga). In the cosmology of Nusantara Islamic architecture, these three roof levels are often interpreted as symbolizing spiritual stages: Syariat (Islamic Law), Tarekat (Sufi Path), and Hakikat/Ma'rifat (Ultimate Reality/Gnosis). The roof's apex is adorned with a mustaka or memolo, providing a vertical emphasis to the building. The original roofing material was shingles made from ulin wood (ironwood), capable of withstanding hundreds of years of exposure to Kalimantan's extreme weather.

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Ulin Wood Structure and Construction Innovation

The most astonishing aspect of Masjid Jami' Sambas is its construction material. Almost the entire building, from the foundation pillars, floor, walls, to the roof frame, is made from ulin wood (Eusideroxylon zwageri). This wood was chosen for its property of becoming stronger when exposed to water, highly relevant to its location on wet land by the river.

The mosque's structural system is supported by a total of 16 main pillars, symbolizing sacred numbers in local traditions. The four central main pillars (saka guru) are exceptionally large in diameter and soar high to support the uppermost roof tier. Construction innovation is evident in the "peg and mortise" joinery system and wooden dowels, which allow the building to remain flexible yet stable against vibrations or ground shifts on the riverbank.

One unique feature is the ventilation and air circulation design. The mosque walls are not entirely solid; they feature finely carved wooden grilles (jeruji), allowing a constant flow of river breeze into the main prayer hall. This creates a cool microclimate inside the mosque without the need for modern air conditioning.

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Ornaments and Interior Details

The mosque's interior exudes an aesthetic of simplicity yet is rich in meaning. The mihrab, where the imam leads prayers, protrudes outwards and is adorned with intricate carvings of typical Malay floral motifs, such as tendrils and jasmine flowers. No depictions of living beings (figurative motifs) are found, adhering to the principle of aniconism in Islamic art.

The mosque's pulpit is one of its most historically valuable elements. Made from ulin wood with elaborate gold carvings, this pulpit was a gift from the Sultan of Brunei at the time, symbolizing friendship between Malay sultanates. The pulpit's height and position are designed to ensure the preacher's voice could be clearly heard throughout the hall before the advent of loudspeaker technology.

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Cultural and Social Significance

Masjid Jami' Sultan Syafiuddin functions as the heart of Sambas's traditional urban planning, embodying the concept of "Unity of the Palace, Mosque, and Market." Its proximity to the Keraton Alwatzikoebillah signifies the close relationship between political power (Sultan) and religious authority.

Socially, this mosque is a meeting point for the people of Sambas from all walks of life. Major celebrations such as Maulid Nabi (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday), Isra' Mi'raj, and local traditional ceremonies often begin or are centered in its courtyard. The mosque's location by the river also reflects the riverine culture of the Sambas people, where in the past, worshippers would arrive by sampan and dock them at the mosque's dedicated jetty.

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Visitor Experience and Current Preservation

Today, Masjid Jami' Sultan Syafiuddin continues to serve as the main mosque in Sambas Regency. Visitors will experience a serene and sacred atmosphere as they walk on the ulin wood floor, which feels cool and smooth from centuries of worshippers' footsteps. The distinct aroma of aged wood fills the space, offering a profound sensory experience.

The government and mosque foundation management are continuously striving to preserve the authenticity of this structure. Although some renovations have been carried out, such as replacing a few shingles and repainting, the integrity of its wooden structure has been maintained. The mosque has been designated as a Cultural Heritage Object, ensuring its protection from architectural changes that could damage its historical value.

As an architectural icon, Masjid Jami' Sultan Syafiuddin is a tangible proof that local materials and traditional wisdom can create monumental, long-lasting structures. It stands as a living monument narrating the past glories of Sambas while serving as an inspiration for future sustainable architecture that respects natural materials and harmony with the aquatic environment.