Chinese Architectural Style, Lautze 2 Mosque: Log In Center in Bandung City

Yes, that is the Lautze 2 Mosque which is located on Jalan Tamblong, Bandung City. Maybe, at first some people will think this building is a temple.

This is because the mosque has a typical Chinese architectural style. Starting from lanterns and also red and yellow ornaments that decorate the inside of the mosque building.

Even though it has been talked about a lot, the attraction of the Lautze Mosque has not faded to this day. Bandung City Public Relations had the opportunity to visit one of these unique mosques.

"Initially, this mosque was opened around 1997 and its area was only around 6x9 meters. However, as we go along, we have widened it. "So for now alone, we can accommodate up to 800 congregants during Friday prayers," said Chairman of the DKM of Lautze Mosque 2 Bandung, Rahmat Nugraha.

He also said that the very strategic location of the Lautze 2 Mosque (in the middle of the city and on the side of the main road) makes this mosque full of blessings and easy to attract attention.

This also affects regular programs and programs in the month of Ramadan, which are run by DKM.

Due to the enthusiasm of local residents, as well as the increase in congregation at this mosque over time, the DKM also asked for permission to close part of Jalan Tamblong during Friday prayers.

The results are as described earlier. 800 worshipers can be accommodated in this mosque. In fact, initially, the Lautze 2 Mosque had a congregation of less than 100 people.

From Chinatown to Jalan Tamblong

Lautze 2 Mosque is a 'branch' of Lautze 1 Mosque in Jakarta's Chinatown area. According to various sources, the Lautze Mosque was first founded by a Muslim of Chinese descent, Haji Ali Karim in 1991 through the Haji Karim Oei Foundation (YHKO).

Meanwhile, the name of the Lautze Mosque is taken from the name of the street in Jakarta, YHKO's head office, namely Jalan Lautze 87-89 Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta. In Bandung, the Lautze 2 Mosque was founded in 1997.

The mention of the numbers one and two after the name Lautze Mosque is mentioned only to differentiate which Lautze Mosque is located in Chinatown, Jakarta, and which Lautze Mosque is in Bandung City.

Furthermore, Rahmat explained that the Lautze 2 Mosque was a place for brothers and sisters who wanted to become converts to Islam as a place to say the shahada.

In the past seven years, Rahmat said that there had been 258 converts to Islam who later became members of the Lautze 2 Mosque congregation. The backgrounds of these converts were varied and diverse.

"Because the Lautze 1 Mosque in Jakarta is located in the Chinatown area, it is possible that the congregation is identical to those of Chinese descent. Well, for us, this feels more diverse. "The brothers who take the shahadah vows have more diverse backgrounds," said Rahmat.

“Not only those of Chinese descent, but also people from various parts of the world. For example from France, Australia. "And for Indonesia, there are various ethnic groups from Indonesia," he added.

To make the mosque prosperous, the Lautze 2 Mosque DKM also embraces youth and Youth Organizations in the area. Geographically, the Lautze Mosque is located in Braga Village, Sumur District, Bandung.

“It took us one to two years to approach it. Thank God, now the Lautze Mosque no longer seems exclusive. "We are more open," explained Rahmat.

Prosper through Regular Programs

Throughout the journey, various Muslim spiritual activities took place at the Lautze 2 Mosque. Starting from 5 daily congregational prayers, mother's recitation, children's recitation, and another interesting thing was the recitation of Muslim converts.

This is called Rahmat because the Lautze Mosque is the place where the converts mentioned earlier chose the Lautze Mosque as a place to say the shahada.

"We are also collaborating with the Salman Charity House and other collaborators so that this regular program can run," explained Rahmat.

Specially in the month of Ramadan, Lautze 2 Mosque also distributes free takjil and iftar for Muslims who want to break their fast around the mosque area.

Around 700-1,000 dates and mineral water, then 250-300 heavy meals are prepared to be distributed. Rahmat said that this food was assistance from various parties, one of which was new converts who were members of the Lautze 2 Mosque congregation.

“The activities are social in nature. We provide takjil on the street. We provide 800 to 1,000 dates and mineral water, then there are 250 to 300 iftars. "Our catering is supported by our new brothers (converts) at the Lautze Mosque," he explained.

In this month of Ramadan, the Lautze Mosque also holds Isha prayers, followed by Tarawih prayers.

If you are in the Jalan Tamblong area and want to get to know the Lautze 2 Mosque, there's no harm in stopping by to pray and see the uniqueness of this mosque up close. (ray)**

 

Head of the Bandung City Communication and Information Office

 

Yayan A. Brilyana