Breaking the fast in mosque at the heart of North Jakarta

Evi Mariani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Luar Batang Mosque is indeed the heart of the local community in the area, located near the Sunda Kelapa Harbor in Penjaringan subdistrict, North Jakarta.

The mosque, which was built in 1739 by Habib Husin bin Abubakar Alaydrus, did not only attract Muslims in the area to pay a visit but also others from outside Jakarta.

The grave of Alaydrus, who was buried in 1756 in the mosque compound, has been visited by Muslims every year.

During the Ramadhan holy month, many people come to the mosque, not only to visit the grave but also to do worshiping activities, including breaking of the fast together.

People living around the mosque voluntarily take turns to provide tajil (snacks for breaking the fast) for the fasting Muslims.

"About 100 families in the kampong voluntarily prepare the meals," said Abdul Hamid, a resident of Kampung Luar Batang. "Each day, more or less eight families take turns to provide meals for around 100 people."

"The locals here have agreed that families who are more fortunate will prepare meals four times during Ramadhan," he added. "Those who are less fortunate can prepare meals only two times in the holy month."

Around half an hour before the breaking the fast, residents and also visitors have gathered at the mosque's front yard and around the compound.

Some others were seen preparing the tajil comprising of various meals, including es pisang ijo (a sweet beverage with banana covered with green pancake), assorted fruits with syrup, cakes and snacks.

Es pisang ijo is a beverage that originated from Makassar, South Sulawesi. Kampung Luar Batang residents indeed comprise of mixed ethnic groups as it is located near the harbor. Most of their ancestors were fishermen from Makassar, Banten and Kalimantan.

After enjoying tajil and performing Maghrib (dusk) prayers, they will have rice with complete side dishes.

Muslims in the area will then perform the tarawih (night prayer during Ramadhan) together at the historical Luar Batang mosque, the heart of their community.