Masjid Agung Palembang, Palembang Overview

The Great Mosque of Palembang, also known as Masjid Agung Palembang, is the chief mosque of the city and also the largest one in the entire archipelago of South Sumatra. Established in 1748 by one of the most prominent rulers of the Sultanate of Palembang, Madmud Badaruddin I, the mosque has evolved exponentially over the course of its history. Therefore, it has assimilated in its architecture quite a multicultural vibe and makes for a great place to visit for the understanding of the dynamic cultural fabric of Indonesia’s past and present.

History

Previously, the main mosque of Palembang stood inside the royal palace or kraton complex of Kuto Gawang. After its demolition by Dutch East India Company in 1659, construction of a new one was embarked upon by the Sultanate during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I Jaya Wikrama in 1738. It took ten years to be completed and was opened in 1748 for the common public. Originally, it only spread over an area of 1080 square metres and had a capacity of only 1200 worshippers. But ever since, multiple rulers of Palembang have dedicated their time and resources towards expanding the mosque and bringing it to its current state. At present, it exists over a much larger area and stands taller and vaster than it was ever before, and has space for more than 15,000 people to sit and pray inside.

Architecture

The three tiers of Masjid Agung Palembang display quintessential Indonesian-Islamic features in its architecture, but there are enough Chinese influences as well, especially the older and original 18th century minaret. One unusual feature about the mosque is its dual minaret. The second minaret is 45 metres high, 12-sided and has a very dominant Ottoman-style influence. Its construction was sponsored by Indonesian corporation Pertamina, who also paid for an Ottoman-styled dome to the mosques roof. There is also a lovely garden outside, where visitors can roam around or sit and relax.