Kartun

Old temples, mosques and churches are dotted across Jakarta, some retaining their original architecture, most having undergone imprudent renovation. TEMPO retraces the origins of Jakarta’s old houses of worship, examines the work of historian Adolf Heuken in the area, and draws attention to the need for better conservation programs. 

Old buildings are not merely piles of stones without soul. They recall the past, best seen in some of the old houses of worship in Jakarta. While some old buildings, like Gereja Sion, still retain an aura of their glorious past, others like Masjid Jami As-Salafiyyah have succumbed to modernity and badly managed renovation. Most lost out to urban development and gross neglect. Following is a TEMPO survey of some of these places of worship. 

A prolific writer who has produced more than 100 books, but who is also well aware that he must curb this passion of his. 

 

Majalah Tempo
30/XXXVII/15 - 21 September 2008