Sumenep Grand Mosque

Acculturation of Aesthetics in the Architecture of Sumenep Grand Mosque: A Symbol of Madurese Harmony

Masjid Agung Sumenep, or historically known as Masjid Jami' Panembahan Somala, is more than just a place of worship. Standing majestically in the heart of Sumenep Regency, East Java, this building is one of the ten oldest mosques in Indonesia that still stands strong, maintaining its original architecture. The uniqueness of this mosque lies in its bold design that combines Chinese, European, Javanese, and Arab cultural elements into a coherent and aesthetic whole.

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Historical Context and the Vision of Panembahan Somala

The construction of this mosque began in 1779 AD and was completed in 1787 AD. This ambitious project was initiated by Panembahan Somala, the 31st ruler of Sumenep. Under his leadership, Sumenep experienced a golden age of culture. Panembahan Somala desired a building that reflected the plurality of Sumenep society and the strategic position of the region as a maritime trade hub.

To realize his vision, he appointed an architect of Chinese descent named Lauw Piango. The selection of a non-Muslim architect at that time demonstrated extraordinary intellectual openness and tolerance from the royal court. Lauw Piango, who was the grandson of Lauw Khon Gu (one of the fugitives from the riots in Batavia), succeeded in translating Islamic spiritual values into a physical form rich in cultural acculturation.

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The Main Gate: An Iconic Chinese-Style Landmark

The most striking and frequently immortalized feature of Masjid Agung Sumenep is its main gate (gapura). Unlike most mosques in Java that use Candi Bentar or Paduraksa style gates, this mosque's gate has a very strong Chinese architectural influence.

The structure of this gate is large with a tiered roof that curves at the ends, resembling the shape of a pagoda or a temple. The dominant use of yellow and green colors in the ornamental details reinforces this oriental nuance. Above the gate, there are carvings of flowers and vines symbolizing fertility and peace. The arched shape of the gate's entrance also adopts the classical European architectural style, creating a unique visual blend before visitors enter the mosque courtyard.

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Main Structure and Interior Space Philosophy

Upon entering the main area, visitors are greeted by the mosque building which has a triple-tiered roof structure, a characteristic of Javanese-Hindu architecture adapted as the identity of mosques in the archipelago. This roof symbolizes the levels in Islam: Iman (Faith), Islam, and Ihsan (Excellence).

However, the architectural surprises continue in the interior. Instead of using slender teak wood pillars like mosques in Demak, Masjid Agung Sumenep uses large concrete pillars with a diameter of about one meter. These pillars adopt the Indische Empire architectural style popular among the Dutch colonialists. The use of these massive pillars gives an impression of grandeur, sturdiness, and authority.

Inside, there are 13 large pillars supporting the roof structure. Above the mihrab (the imam's niche), there is a highly detailed teak wood carving, gilded, featuring motifs of typical Madurese plants. The mosque's pulpit is a masterpiece in itself, made from selected teak wood with intricate Chinese-Madurese style carvings, which were reportedly brought directly from the best craftsmen of the time.

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Structural Innovations and Aesthetic Details

One of the interesting innovations in this building is its ventilation and lighting system. Lauw Piango designed large windows with wooden frames and colored glass that allow for cool air circulation even when the weather outside is very hot.

The mosque walls are made from a mixture of bricks, lime, and egg whites as a natural adhesive—a traditional construction technique that has proven capable of making the building withstand earthquakes and weather for over two centuries. On the right and left sides of the main building, there are additional colonial-style buildings that function as ablution areas and management offices, added in later eras but still in harmony with the mosque's original aesthetics.

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The Minaret and Cultural Acculturation

This mosque has a minaret that is separate from the main building. The minaret has a strong European architectural influence, evident from its shape resembling a lighthouse or a church tower in the Netherlands in the 18th century. The top of the minaret is adorned with a small dome, reinforcing its religious function as a place for the call to prayer. The presence of this minaret completes the multicultural architectural "scenery" that is the soul of this mosque complex.

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Social Meaning and Visitor Experience

For the people of Sumenep, the Grand Mosque is not just a historical relic, but a center of social life. The philosophy embedded in its building teaches about "Bhineka Tunggal Ika" (Unity in Diversity) long before Indonesia's independence. The harmony between Chinese, European, and Javanese elements in a Muslim place of worship serves as an eternal reminder that differences are not an obstacle to creating beauty.

Visitors to this mosque will experience a sacred yet open atmosphere. The spacious courtyard with sawo kecik trees (a characteristic of royal buildings in Java) provides shade for pilgrims or tourists who wish to admire its architectural details. Every corner of the mosque, from the original floor tiles to the carvings on the ceiling, tells a story of the meticulous work of past craftsmen.

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Conclusion: A World Heritage from the Eastern Tip of Madura

Masjid Agung Sumenep is a tangible proof that architecture is a universal language. Through Lauw Piango's design and Panembahan Somala's vision, this mosque has successfully transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries. Its existence as a Sumenep icon is not only due to its physical grandeur but also because of the values of tolerance and acculturation deeply carved into every pillar and wall. As a cultural heritage building, the task of the current generation is to ensure that every meaningful architectural detail is preserved, telling the story of harmony from the eastern tip of Madura Island to the world.