Historical Assessment of the Saka Tunggal Mosque in Banyumas: Study on the Single Column Mosque on Java Island, Indonesia

Abstract

Currently, there are four mosques on Java Island recognized as Saka Tunggal Mosques, which employ a single wooden column as the main column, placed at the center of the prayer hall to support the roof. This unique structural system, when compared to the traditional four-column system, is remarkable even if its style is exceptional for mosques on Java Island. This study aims to provide scientific data and promote the local government's understanding about the importance of the Saka Tunggal Mosques by focusing on the one in Banyumas, which is placed at a cultural heritage site, founded in 1871. This article was categorized as a part of an effort to revive and restore important architectural heritage sites in Indonesia. The discussion in this article will be composed of three parts. The first part will provide a description of the current condition of Banyumas's Mosque. The second part will illustrate the renovations of the Mosque in chronological order. The third part will describe the three other Saka Tunggal Mosques in order to differentiate the specific characteristics of Banyumas's Mosque from the context of its structural system.

Community-based Ecotourism Management in Cikakak Village, Wangon District, Banyumas Regency

“…The number of main pillars of one symbolizes the doctrine of monotheism in Islam. The concept of Saka Tunggal architecture is also found in The Saka Tunggal Kebumen Mosque, Cirebon, and Yogyakarta [13]. Saka Tunggal also means that man must be like an alif (in Arabic letter), straight up, not crooked, honest, and not naughty.…”

“…The central pole is also decorated with ornaments in the form of carvings with striking colors. The structure of Saka Tunggal Mosque can be described as shown in figure 2 as follows [13]. The architectural form of the Saka Tunggal Mosque has a meaning or meaning in it.…”