Mosque in 'Lost Village' of Karian Dam Remains Intact as Water Recedes

A mosque in the middle of the Karian Dam reservoir in Lebak, Banten, remains standing intact even though the surrounding village has been submerged. The Al Mujahidin mosque was deliberately left untouched after residents requested it not be demolished.

Maman, a former resident who lived next to the mosque in Kampung Somang, said the structure was built during the Dutch colonial era. “The one who built it was Abuya, and it was constructed during the Dutch era. It was only renovated about 15 years ago,” Maman said. He added that descendants of the founder had asked for the mosque to be preserved. “A new mosque was built, so only the five main pillars inside were moved.”

The village within the Karian Dam area has recently reappeared as water levels recede due to the dry season. Although roofless, the walls of the abandoned houses are clearly visible once again. Dedi Yudha Lesmana, head of the BBWS Cidanau Ciujung Cidurian (C3), explained that the settlement lies at the upper reaches of the reservoir, approximately 16 kilometres from the dam. He noted that when the reservoir was filled, the buildings were not demolished; only trees and vegetation were cleared from the area. The current water level has dropped by about five per cent, exposing the remnants of the densely populated former village.