A Chinese Mosque becomes a symbol of harmony between China and Indonesia

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When walking through Jakarta’s busy Chinatown, it’s hard to miss the bright red and yellow doors of the Lautze mosque. Tucked away in the corner, this mosque isn’t like any other.

Established in 1991 during the Soeharto era, Lautze mosque has been standing tall and proud since then. The former shophouse was turned into a mosque by the Haji Karim Oei foundation, with the aim of promoting moderate and peaceful Islamic teachings to Chinese-Indonesians across the country.

The foundation was originally founded by Abdul Karim Oei, a prominent Chinese-Indonesian nationalist who fought for Indonesia’s independence alongside the country’s founding father, Soekarno.

Today, it is managed by Abdul Karim’s son Ali Karim Oei. He has brought his father’s teachings into the modern day by hoping to appeal to the younger generation.

The Lautze mosque has become a symbol of harmony between China and Indonesia. /CGTN Photo

“This month alone we have had two people convert to Islam and since beginning of this year, a total of 42 people. We are introducing the religion to everyone that’s interested in learning about it. We never force or impose our teachings upon anyone.” said Ali Karim.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by several Chinese calligraphy works that hang alongside Arabic ones, some dating back to 150 years ago. The mosque’s walls are covered with framed verses of the Q’uran written in Chinese characters. Many of the inspirations that were taken into building the mosque came from 19th-century China.

“We are here to promote the image of peace and harmony. I have learned that for some Chinese people, their perception of Islam can be quite negative. Our mosque is here to teach them that those negativities have nothing to do with Islamic teachings, it is purely the mistake of individuals and not the religion as a whole,” said Ali Karim.

The mosque recently finished constructing its second location in Bandung, West Java, after realizing that the Chinese-Indonesian Muslim community was growing rapidly around the area.

Religious expert Din Syamsuddin believes the relationship between Indonesia and China dates back thousands of years ago.

“It is very important for the Indonesian government to protect and support the Chinese Indonesian Muslim community here. The government has a responsibility to make sure that all religions can live side by side in peace in Indonesia. Chinese mosques can be found around the country, not just in Jakarta but in Surabaya and Semarang as well. Islam also has existed in Indonesia for centuries,” said Syamsuddin.

The Lautze mosque has become a symbol of harmony between China and Indonesia, proving that both countries are continuously celebrating culture, religion and tolerance together.