Hatta-Sjahrir Mosque In Banda Neira Inaugurated In History Today, April 12, 1979

Banda Neira City in Central Maluku. (culture.kemendikbud.go.id)

JAKARTA History today, 44 years ago, April 12, 1979, the Hatta-Sjahrir Mosque in Banda Neira was inaugurated by the families of each founder of the nation. Bung Hatta's family was represented by Meutia and Halida Hatta. Sutan Sjahrir's family was represented by his wife, Siti Wahyunah Sjahrir (Poppy).

The presence of the mosque is proof of the existence of Hatta and Sjahrir who are loved by the whole of Banda Neira. Previously, Hatta and Sjahrir had been considered radical figures by the Dutch colonialists. both were exiled to Banda Neira to reduce resistance.

Hatta and Sjahrir are figures of the nation loyal to Indonesia's struggle for independence. Both are mature in the Netherlands. Hatta continued his education at the Trade College in Rotterdam. Sjahrir himself entered the Faculty of Law at Leiden University.

While in the Netherlands, the two figures became closer. The vision and mission of the two is not much different. They inflamed the spirit of resistance to colonialism and imperialism. In fact, their breakthrough had disturbed the Dutch government.

The struggle between the two brought awareness of independence to continue when they returned to the archipelago. Both of them actively spoke from the pulpit to the pulpit. They also joined the Indonesian National Party (PNI Baru) which later became a political vehicle.

However, the presence of the two of them in the map of struggle against colonialism made the Dutch furious. The colonial government of the Dutch East Indies was also involved. Second then arrested and exiled. They were originally exiled to Boven Digoel.

Then, they were transferred to Banda Neira in 1934. There, the two of them lived a little calm, compared to Boven Digoel. In fact, Hatta and Sjahrir agreed that Banda Naira was the most memorable land they had in their entire life.

In Banda Neira he (Sjahrir) remains loyal to reading and writing, and often also discusses issues of literature and culture, In one of his polemics about literature with Brother J. Tatengkeng, who later became a member of the Indonesian Social Party (PSI) in Ujung Pandang, it can be seen how far and in his knowledge in literature and culture..

After nearly 6 years in exile in Neira, together with Bung Hatta and 4 adopted children, he was transferred by the Dutch to Sukabumi, placed in the Police Dormitory there. The time of the move was the day before Ambon fell in a Japanese attack, and Bomber carrying them was the only remaining of the 6 Bombers stationed in Ambon by the Netherlands, "explained Rosihan Anwar in the book Mengenang Sjahrir (2013).

The Indonesian government did not forget the services of Bung Hatta and Sjahrir in the map of the nation's struggle. Both are eternal in every Indonesian people. Then the owner of the power changed the name of one of the oldest mosques in Banda as the Hatta-Sjahrir Mosque.

The mosque, which is in front of the entrance to Banda Neira, was inaugurated by the families of two national figures. They are Siti Wahyunah Sjahrir, Meutia, and Halida Hatta on April 12, 1979. The Hatta-Sjahrir Mosque was also present as an important trace that Bung Hatta and Sjahrir had been an important part of Banda Neira.

As I told you above, the existence of this mosque is to commemorate Hatta as a national figure who once built Banda Neira. The Hatta Mosque, which is right in front of the entrances to Banda Neira port, was inaugurated by Siti Wahyunah Sjahrir, Meutia, and Halida Hatta on April 12, 1979.

Like other mosques in Banda, the architecture of the Hatta-Sjahrir Mosque is quite beautiful. This old mosque building is maintained even though there are several places that have been renovated. Outside the main dome there is a small relay. In one of the towers, a loudspeaker is placed. This loudspeaker serves to summon all citizens to pray in congregation at the mosque, "the story of Brillianto K. Jaya in the bookSurga in Timur (2014).