Author, Abah Roy
Chairman of DPC Aswin Cirebon City
Sunan Gunung Jati Mosque, also known as Garmini Mosque, is located on Jalan Kesambi No. 94, Kesambi District, Cirebon City. This mosque has significant historical value, especially because of its connection with President Soekarno. It is known that Soekarno once visited this mosque, and there are historical traces that are closely related to President Soekarno.
On August 17, 1960, Hj. Siti Garmini Sarojo, wife of the 4th Sultan Hasanuddin of the Kanoman Palace in Cirebon, donated an area of approximately 500 square meters which was previously a rice field area for the construction of this mosque. The laying of the first stone was carried out by President Soekarno, who also gave the name “Sunan Gunung Jati Mosque” as a tribute to Sunan Gunung Jati, one of the Wali Songo and spreader of Islam in Cirebon.
In addition to his role in the establishment of the mosque, Soekarno was known to often visit the Sunan Gunung Jati Garmini Mosque to perform tahajud prayers while in Cirebon. This shows his religious side that is rarely known to the public.
In terms of architecture, this mosque reflects the acculturation of Javanese and Chinese cultures, which are characteristic of several historic mosques in Cirebon. The influence of these cultures can be seen in the design and ornaments of the mosque, reflecting the harmonious cultural diversity in the region.
The Sunan Gunung Jati Garmini Mosque not only functions as a place of worship, but is also an important symbol in the history of the spread of Islam in Cirebon as well as real evidence of the cultural diversity and tolerance that have long existed in this city.
Cirebon, February 19, 2025
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