A GLANCE OF CENTRAL JAVA GREAT MOSQUE
“Mutiara Tanah Jawa”
“ Only people who make something prosper Allah’s mosques is people who believing in Allah and the ending day, and settled shalat/pray, carry out tithe and not afraid to somebody else except to Allah, so they are people who are hoped include the category people who get guideline”. (QS.At-Taubah : 18)
Like two sides of a coin, talk about Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah (MAJT) can’t free from Masjid Agung Kauman Semarang (The Great Kauman Mosque). Why? MAJT is founded because of Masjid Agung Kauman Semarang. This is the story, Masjid Agung Kauman Semarang on jalan west Alon-Alon Kauman Semarang has mosque riches land(Banda Masjid) broad 119,1270 ha that is manage by Mosque Prosperity Institute ( BKM), the organization is formed by Islamic Affair Corporation (URAIS) Religion Department.
Because of the land 119,1270 ha is not productive, BKM roll exchanged (Ruilslag) to the land 250 ha in Demak regency through PT Tens Indo Tjipto Siswojo. This process was not running smoothly, the land in Demak have become coast, river, grave, etc. Finally Masjid Agung Kauman’s mosque riches land have been lost, because of wicked men and not trusteeship.
By law way from Semarang Country Court to the Jurisdiction of the highest court in this country, Masjid Agung Kauman (BKM) always defeated. Finally , the integrated team is formed that is led by Central Java region National Stability Coordination Association (Bakorstanasda)/ Kodam IV Diponegoro. Once Pangdam IV /Diponegoro is led by Mayjen TNI Mardiyanto (and he became Central Java Governor). The first time this team is led by Colonel Bambang Soediarto, then continued by Colonel Art Slamet Prayitno, The chairman of Badan Kesbang and Linmas, Central Java.
On Friday “Legi”, December 17th 1999, after praying “Jum’at” at Masjid Agung Kauman, thousands of Moslems intended to give pressure to Tjipto Siswoyo, to make him giving the land back to the Mosque. They did long march from Masjid Agung Kauman to Tjipto Siswoyo’s house on jalan Branjangan 22-23 Semarang old city area.
Finally, Tjipto agreed to give certificates of the land to the mosque. Although when he handed over, Tjipto confessed. It wasn’t because of someone’s pressure, but people believe that Tjipto gave the certificates because of the pressure on Friday “legi” December 17th. After that it was formed a team with Col Bambang Soediarto (Kodam IV Diponegoro) as the chairperson and the secretary is Slamet Prayitno ( The chairperson of Badan Kesbang Linmas, Central Java).
I remember well, the person who was very intend, trying to get back the lost “Banda Masjid” land. They were KH.Sahal Mahfudh ( he is the general chairman of MUI), Drs Ali Mufiz MPA (he was the chairperson of Central Java,MUI/ FISIP UNDIP lecturer, Semarang), Drs H Noor Achmad MA ( The member of Central Java DPRD), Drs HM Habib Thoha MA ( General Secretary Of Central Java MUI) and Drs.Drs.HM.Aminuddin Sanwar ( The lecturer of IAIN Walisongo Semarang). Almost everyday they gathered at Central Java MUI office. (Nothern side of Masjid Raya Baiturrahman) Simpang Lima Semarang. While for me as a reporter , I got a job to publish all Moslem’s movements on the way of trying to get back the lost “Banda Masjid” (the mosque riches land) . Alhamdulillah ( thanks God) all the activities could we tape on a book calls “Melacak Banda Masjid yang Hilang”.
Moslem’s movements kept continuing like a welcomed water dipper. Kauman citizen with all the elements kept struggling for getting back the “Banda Masjid”. KH Turmuzi Taslim Al-Hafidz (R.I.P), KH Hanif Ismail Lc, H Hasan Thoha MBA, Ir H Hammad Maksum, H Muhaimmim SSos, etc are some of the names who gave the spirit for the movements. Meanwhile, through the spiritualistic movement’s Drs KH Dzikron Abdullah, KH Amjad Al-Hafidz, KH Kharis Shodaqoh, KH Muhaimin, KH Masruri Mughni, gave the spirits through another way.
Through political way wasn’t also boring. The conversation at Central Java Berlian Building about Banda Masjid was interesting enough. The Assembly at provincial regional chairperson of central Java, H Mardijo was leading the “Paripurna”. Drs H Istajib as through the E commission, Drs KH Achmad Darodji MSi, Dr H Noor Achmad, H Abdul Kadir Karding SPi, Drs H Hisyam Ali, KH Thoyfoer MC, and there were lots of names who all of them gave the spirits, to get back the lost Banda Masjid, Masya Allah, Subhanallah.
From 119,1270 Ha Banda Masjid Agung kauman Semarang which was lost , we’ve just found 69,2 Ha. The climax was on Saturday, July 8th 2000 at the Paripurna’s Assembly at provincial regional of Central Java’s room, at Jl.Pahlawan,Semarang. Tjipto Siswoyo handed over the certificates of 69,2 Ha areas to Pangdam IV Diponegoro/ The chairperson of Central Java Bakostranasda, Mayjend TNI Bibit Waluyo ( The replacement person of Mayjend Mardiyanto) to the Governor of Central Java, Mardiyanto (Replaced H Soewardi).
The Governor of Central Java had a brilliant idea. As a tetenger (sign) of the returned the lost Banda Masjid land, from 69,2 Ha it took 10 Ha ,it was built a mosque at Jalan Gajah Raya, Sambirejo , Gayamsari subdistrict, Semarang. On 28th November 2001 there was a prize question to design of architecture of Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah. The winner was PT Atelier Enam Bandung which is lead by Ir H Achmad Fanani.
On Friday 6th of September 2002 the mininter of religion, Prof Dr KH Said Aqiel Al-Munawar, the general chairperson of central MUI, KH Shahal Mahfudh and the governor of Central Java H Mardiyanto, planted the first pillar to begin the building of Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah. One day before, on Thursday night 5th September 2002, there were 200 Hafidz did “Sema’an Al-Qur’an” (Read Al-Qur’an) and “Asma’ul Husna”. It was led by KH Ahmad Al-Hafidz. At the beginning, it spent 30 billion rupiahs but on the development of the time, it reached 200 billion rupiahs.
LOCATION
Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah is located on Jalan Gajah Raya, Sambirejo, Gayamsari Subdistric, Semarang. ( It is part of Pedurungan subdistric).
If you come from Demak (east). When you arrive at the western side of Genuk bridge , exactly in the T-junction of Trimulyo turn left through Kudu-Bangetayu-through railway track-in the way to jalan Woltermonginsidi, from this street turn right-through jalan Arteri Citarum (Jalan Soekarno Hatta) turn left to Jalan Gajah raya.
You can also from Demak through jalan Kaligawe-before Kaligawe bridge-turn left through Jalan inspeksi kali Banjir Kanal Timur-jalan Sawah Besar-The cross road of Arteri Soekarno Hatta and Jalan Gajah Raya.
If you come from Grobogan (Purwodadi, Gubug) Through Jalan Penggaron-Pedurungan- Jalan Raya Majapahit (Brigjend Soediarto)-Bhayangkara hospital until the cross road of Makro-turn right go into Jalan Gajah Raya or until the T-junction of Pedurungan take the right side go into Jalan Arteri Citarum (Soekarno Hatta)- Jalan Gajah Raya.
If you come from Solo, Magelang, DIY, Banyumas, Kedu, etc (south) until Banyumanik- sukun- on the right side through the free way of Jatingaleh. . After through Tembalang free way- turn right to Kaligawe-Demak. Before go into Muktiharjo free way turn left go into Jalan Majapahit/Brigjend Soediarto- right side of Bhayangkara hospital-Makro T-junction the right side and go into Jalan Gajah Raya. It could be through Srondol track-Gombel-Jatingaleh-Peterongan traditional market-Jalan MT Haryono (Mataram)-Bangkong T-junction-right side- Milo T-junction-Jalan Brigjend Soediarto/Jalan Majapahit, The left Makro T-junction- Jalan Gajah Raya.
If you come from the west (Kendal, Pekalongan, Tegal, Jakarta). From Tugu Muda traffic circle straight to the east Jalan Pandanaran-simpang lima-Jalan Ahmad Yani-Bangkong T-junction-Milo T-junction. Brigjend Soediarto/Jalan Majapahit-Tle left side of Makro T-junction- go into Jalan Gajah Raya. It could be through Tugu Muda traffic circle-Jalan Pemuda (Balai Kota Semarang)- Johar traditional Market- Bubakan- Jurnatan-Jalan Pattimura-Dr Cipto T-juction-Pattimura-Jalan Raya Citarum (Citarum Stadium)-Jalan Arteri Citarum-Masjid Agung Kauman Semarang gas station-Go into the right side to Jalan gajah Raya.
ORGANIZER CORPORATION
For Running of the wheel of the MAJT organization. On 28th March 2003 The Governor of Central Java H Mardiyanto Published termination letter no 71 2003 about builder formation, Supervisor and the executive of Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah. As the chairperson is Drs H Achmad, The 1st,2nd,3rd Vice are Drs HM Chabib Thoha MA, Drs Ali Mufiz MPA and Drs H Noor Achmad MA. The 1st,2nd,3rd secretary Drs H Muhtarom HM, dr Anung Sugihantono,M.Kes and Drs H Ibnu Djarir. The 1st, 2nd treasurer are Drs H Zubaidi, Ir Nidhom Azhari DiplHE. In the way of this organization Drs H Ali Mufiz MPA and Drs H Djaesar Amit postponed from their duties as organizer corporation.
On March 29th 2006, H Mardiyanto as the governor of Central Java published termination letter no 451.2/19/2006 about pointing to the builder management, the consultant council, supervisor council, Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah Organizer period 2006-2009, as a chairperson is Prof Dr H Abdul Djamil MA, Vice is Dr H Noor Achmad MA, The Secretary and the vice are Drs H Agus Fathuddin Yusuf and H Ateng Chozany Miftah SE Msi. The Treasurer and the vice are Hj. Gatyt Sri Chotijah and H Gautama Setiadi. As the chairperson of Takmir sector is Dr H Muhtarom HM and the institusion of developing of effort sector (LPU) is H Hasan Thoha Putra MBA. Be in conformity with termination letter no 451.2/19/2006 The Governor of Central Java published Governor regulation no 18 year 2006 date 7th March 2006 about Organization establishment and builder work system, consultant council, supervisor council, and Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah organizer.
To fund MAJT operational, this mosque is completed with infrastructures and many equipments that can be produces much money. They are convention Hall (auditorium), shouvenir shop, PKL, office space, guest houses, view minarets, parking lots, and Islamic cultural museum. To manage this efforts , LPU Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah was pointing to the third party, it was PT Madani Agung Jaya, The signature of MoU between the chairperson of LPU H Hasan Thoha Putra and the main chairperson of PT MAJ Yustica is done on August 25th 2006 and as a witness is the shairperson MAJT , Prof Dr H Abdul Djamil MA.
On Saturday “Pon”, September 23rd 2006, coincide with the Dugder tradition ritual in MAJT, H Mardiyanto as the governor of Central Java announced officially broadcasted for the first time Radio Dakwah Islam (DAIS) . The radio studio is located in the base of the Al-Husna minaret of MAJT. H Mardiyanto as a governor of Central Java gathered with region secretary H Mardjijono SH, the chairperson of public relation communication and information sector (BIKK) Drs Saman Kadarisman, the shairprson of organizer MAJT Prof Dr H Abdul Djamil MA and the responsible person for broadcasting Radio DAIS Agus Fathuddin yusuf, to broadcast for the first time with “Menyapa Pendengar” in Frequency 107,9 MHz.
THE SPECIALITY OF MASJID AGUNG JAWA TENGAH
If we are asked, what is the speciality of Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah? We have lots of answer. In My opinion, all the details which this mosque has more specials than the detail of other mosques in Indonesia, even in the world. The size of its area is very spectacular (10 Ha). The size of the main building for praying is 7,669 m2. The main building has 2 floors. The first floor for male municipality and the second floor for female municipality. The capacity of the main room is predicted can accept 6000 people. The main building is completed by four minarets, which each minaret has 62 m tall. One of the minaret is also completed with an elevator. It is the minaret which is on the right side of the front (east side). The main dome has unique shape which is made from concrete. And the diameter is 20 meters long.
The style of mosque’s architecture is the combination between Javanese, Middle East (Arabic) and Greek. The middle east style can we see at the dome and the minarets. The Javanese style can we see at the “Tajugan” at the roof under the main dome. While the Greek style can we see at the 25th colosum pillars which is combined with beautiful Arrabic calligraphy.
The philosophy of MAJT project is the appearance and the connection of the development of Islam in our home country’s history. This philosophy is translated on Candrasengkala which is combining in the sentence “Sucining guna gapuraning gusti” meaning Javanese year 1943 and in year 2001. Thay are years of the realization of MAJT project. This Candrasengkala becomes the expression of the real large and beautiful MAJT. The combination between universal or local culture and Islamic culture.
Next, we enter the Mosque’s plaza. In the plaza there is a Banner calls Al Qanathir gate means large and precious. Al-Qanathir gate has 25 pillars as the symbols of Allah’s ambassador as the teachers of Allah’s municipality. At the banner, the sentence of this gate is the calligraphy of Tauhid testimony “Asyhadu Alla Illa Ha Illallah” and Allah’s ambassador testimony “Wa asyhadu Anna Muhammadar Rosullullah”. While the sentence at the flat side has Pegon letters say “Sucining guna gapuraning gusti”.
This 7500 meter mosque’s plaza is the extend of the praying room which can accept 10,000 people. It’s completed with six umbrellas which can open or close automatically like masjid Nabawi in Madinah. It says that there are only two mosques in the world which has electric umbrellas like these. The pillar of the umbrellas has 20 meters tall each the radius is about 14 meters.
Inside of the main room’s MAJT there is a giant Al Qur’an (Mushaf Al-Akbar) by religius pupil of pondok pesantren Al Asy’ariyyah Kalibeber, Mojotengah , Wonosobo ( The leader is KH Muntaha Al-Hafidz). It call Mushaf Al-Akbar because it is very large (145 cm x 956 cm).
Inside of the mosque at the north east side , there is also a giant “bedug” by KH Ahmad Sobri, Tinggarjaya, Jatilawang, Purwokerto, Banyumas. This Bedug calls “Bedug IJo” Mangunsari is made at 20 Sya’ban 1424 H. It has 30 meters long and the front and the back’s diameter are 186 cm. The middle circle is 683 cm and it needs 165 nails. “The speciality of this bedug is where is it made, it is Mangunsari, this word comes from Arabic “Maun Syaar” which is said an “angker” tree. The maker is should always have “wudlu” and fasting.
Under the main building there is a place for male / female wudlu. There are 93 water taps for the male and 56 water taps for the female. On the right side of this place there are 50 water taps and on the left side there are 14 water taps. Under the main building thera are also the office of “Badan Pengelola/Organizer corporation”, multy function room, and VIP room which is the direct access to Imam’s room.
The right side of the building is the convention hall (auditorium) which can accept 2,000 people. While the left side of the building is a library which will be a “modern library” (Digital library) and “office space”, the office rooms are rented. And under the plaza of MAJT is the parking lots which can accept 680 cars and 670 motorcycles.
Another attraction of this mosque is Al-Husna towe, It is 99 meters tall, Ittiba’ at Al-Asma’ul Husna number. The bottom of the tower there is a radio DAIS (Dakwah Islam) studio. The second and the third floor are used for a museum of Islamic culture. At the 18th floor the is a Moslem café which can spin 360 degrees. And we can enjoying our foods, listening to Islamic songs, we can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of Semarang. At the beginning of Ramadhan 1427 H, for the first time to Rukyatul Hilal frim Central Java Rukyah team is used the modern telescope from BOSCA.
MAJT has four Imams and each Imam is Hafidz 30 juz of Al-Qur’an. They are not only knowing well but also when they are saying Al-Qur’an’s sentences for sholat Maghrib, Isya, and Subuh. Also for sholat Tarawih. They have to say it a song, just like at Masjidil Haram. They are KH Ullil Abshor Al-Hafidz from Jepara, KH Zaenuri Ahmad Al-Hafidz from Salatiga, KH Ahmad Thoha Al-Hafiz from Pekalongan and KH Muhaimin Al-Hafidz. While as muadzins are Muhammad Rokhani, Muhammad Zen, Muhammad yusuf, and Hasanuddin.
GUEST VISIT
This mosque becomes an attraction place for all the people, not only pray to Allah but also use for tour. Look at the weekend, Saturday and Sunday they full fill this mosque. They visit the mosque not only looking for the foods and drinks but also going around the mosque, because there are hundreds of delicious foods and drinks sellers. They order very well inside the little buildings which is executed by institution of developing of effort sector (LPU) of MAJT.
The visitors come every time, they can come in the afternoon, in the evening even at the midnight and at the dawn. They usually come by bus and it can reach hundreds of buses. Official guests also spend their time to visit this mosque, like DPR RI,DPD RI, LEMHANAS, course contestants, etc. It’s amazing.
Some guests from foreign country. For example from Greece, Arabic ambassador, Qatar, United Emirates Arab, Kuwait, Oman, America Latin, the reporter from Zimbabwe, Africa, etc. Even when H Mardiyanto and Ali Mufiz as our governor and vice governor visit other country. They promote Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah as one of the places for Religious tour In Central Java. (REC Risma JT)
