goodmorningpapua.com – The Patimburak Mosque in Patimburak Village, Kokas District, Fakfak Regency, West Papua is one of the mosques with a long history. This mosque is said to be the oldest mosque in Fakfak Regency.
Launching the book The Indonesian Ancient Mosque written by Sri Sugiyanti, et al (1999), the historical year of the establishment of the Patimburak Mosque is not known for certain. This is because inscriptions or other sources indicating the year of the mosque was built have not been found.
According to estimates, the Patimburak Mosque was founded during the reign of the 6th King Wertuar named Simempes in 1870. The construction was then continued by the 7th King Wertuar named Waraburi.
The construction of the Patimburak Mosque was also a sign of the entry of Islam to FakFak before 1870. This was reinforced by news from Louis Vaes De Torres who stated that Islam had existed in Fakfak since 1606.
During the colonial period, the Patimburak mosque was hit by a bomb by Japanese troops. Quoted from the Simas.kemenag.go.id page, the bullet holes in the incident are even left on the pillars of the mosque to this day.
According to the imam of the Patimburak Mosque, Musa Heremba, the spread of Islam in Kokas cannot be separated from the influence of the Sultan of Tidore in Papua. Sultan Cilaci became the first sultan to embrace Islam. After that, Islam in Papua became more and more developed.
The architecture of the Patimburak Mosque is quite unique because it has a blend of mosque and church forms. Although it has had several renovations, the four supporting pillars contained in this mosque have never been replaced.
Patimburak Mosque can be reached by road from Fakfak to Kokas. For 2 hours, you will walk along winding roads and fresh mountain air.
Arriving in the city of Kokas, Fakfak Regency, the journey to Patimburak Village must be continued using a rented longboat. Visitors who want to go to the Patimburak Mosque will enjoy the beauty of the coral islands that are still virgin along the way.