The Charm of the Ancient Bondan Mosque in Indramayu, Legendarily Built in One Night

The traces of Islamic civilisation in Indramayu may rarely be found in grand history books, but rather in old buildings that stand steadfastly. The Darussajidin Mosque in Bondan Village is one such landmark.

As the oldest architectural heritage in Indramayu Regency, this mosque preserves a lengthy narrative of Islamic preaching and steadfast faith that has been deeply rooted in the Sukagumiwang community for centuries. According to the 2005 Directory of Historic and Renowned Mosques in Indramayu Regency, compiled by the Historic and Renowned Mosque Data Research Team, the mosque—better known as the Ancient Bondan Mosque—was established in 1414 CE, during the 15th century.

This means the mosque structure existed far before the formation of Indramayu’s government in 1527, as well as before the early formation of Cirebon in 1480. It is therefore unsurprising that in 2022, the mosque was officially designated as a Cultural Heritage Building at the regency level.

The founder of the Ancient Bondan Mosque was an Islamic preacher named Syeh Datul Kahfi. According to local tradition, this great scholar built the mosque in merely one night.

Beyond establishing the mosque, Syeh Datul Kahfi also crafted a drum made from sida gurih wood. When this drum was struck, its sound allegedly reverberated all the way to the Cirebon palace.

Local residents also frequently referred to the mosque as the Sapuangin Mosque. This name alludes to Syekh Dzatul Kahfi’s spiritual abilities, said to include knowledge of the “Wind Sweep” (Sapu Angin).

“The Ancient Bondan Mosque previously functioned as a centre for Islamic preaching, a place where the community learned about Islam whilst building a new civilisation,” said Dedy S Musashi, Head of the Indramayu Cultural Heritage Expert Team, on Friday (27 February 2026).