The Position and Function of Masjid Jami’ and City Square in The Dynamics of Pekalongan Development

Abstract

Identical to other cities in Java, Pekalongan city center is characterized by the presence of city square (alun-alun). Pendopo (palace/central government) - alun-alun (city square) – mosque are characteristic features of the Islamic Mataram city. Commonly, the square as the heart of the city is located in the middle, it is surrounded by the Jami mosque at west side of the square, the pendopo/governance office at the south side of the square, plaza at the east side of square, and settlement at the north side of square . Nowadays, the position of the pendopo in Pekalongan still remained as the beginning of its existence, but there is a change of its function especially in the square and the pendopo. The pendopo that was previously the office and official residence of the Pekalongan Regent no longer functions as before since the government of Pekalongan Regency was moved to Kajen in 2003. Furthermore, slowly but surely, the city square was switched its dominant role as an economic function, that is surrounded by stalls, culinary and fashion products sellers started from afternoon to the middle of night. In addition to the reason for the movement of the central government of Pekalongan Regency from this place to Kajen, this also happened because it was built the center of the Pekalongan city government buildings in other area (Mataram street) that is supported with the square. Therefore, a research on the position and function of Jami’ mosque and city square needs to be held, considering that in this case there were time dimensions and historical values that must be preserved in the context of urban development. This study uses a phenomenological approach. The findings of this study are the existence of Jami mosque is timeless, meanwhile the city square is needed to be revitalized so that it has functions in accordance with its era without leaving its function as a safe and comfortable public open space and having continuity with the function of the mosque.