Among the oldest mosques
Still standing in Indonesia.
Ego.arianto — CC BY 4.0 · Ego.arianto — CC BY 4.0 · Ego.arianto — CC BY 4.0 · Ego.arianto — CC BY 4.0
One of the oldest standing mosques in Indonesia, a small timber mosque in the village of Kayu Jao in the Solok highlands, thought to be several centuries old, with local tradition dating it to the sixteenth century or earlier. It stands among forest and fields on the edge of a quiet valley, far from the noise of towns. The mosque is built entirely of wood, with a three-tiered roof thatched in black sugar-palm fibre in the traditional style, carried on twenty-seven pillars whose number is said to stand for parts of the local community. Beside it are an ablution pool and an old graveyard. It has been restored several times with the same materials to keep its form. It still serves daily prayers; entry is free, and visitors are welcome outside prayer times in modest dress. It lies on the road between Padang and the twin lakes at Alahan Panjang, about an hour and a half from Padang, so make it a stop on the way.
Still standing in Indonesia.
Three black tiers.
Of timber.
Kayu Jao, Solok regency, near Alahan Panjang
Yes, it is the village's living mosque where residents pray, so please visit outside prayer times, quietly and respectfully.