The restoration of old mosques heritage in Pekojan, Jakarta

Abstract Recent efforts of restoration on the Muslim religious sites in Jakarta take place in several old mosques that were built around the old settlements (kampung) of creole communities in Pekojan. This historic kampung is situated on the western fringe of Jakarta Old Town since eighteenth century and adjacent to the other diverse ethnic groups’ neighbourhood. The challenges emerge when the old mosque continues to expand its space volumes and adapt to accommodate the users’ needs and so the expansion impacts the ethics of restoration. This research specifically took a case study in Jami Mosque of Kampung Baru as one of the heritage mosques built in Pekojan. The early process of the documentation and historical research found various levels of deteriorations and extensions in the building. By applying participatory action research, it showed the early efforts of restoration led by locals. This research also concerned with the responsibility of the owners, functionaries, community officials, and users towards the cultural heritage to be contested. It also extended the conceptual meaning of “ownership” of cultural heritage by definition in terms of religious building in Indonesia.