Lima Kaum Mosque, Mosque in Limo Kaum, Indonesia

The Lima Kaum Mosque sits in the center of Nagari Lima Kaum with a traditional multi-tiered wooden roof structure that defines its appearance. Inside, a large wooden central pillar rises prominently and supports the building's framework, creating a distinctive internal layout.

A first mosque was raised in the mid-17th century at Jorong Balai Batu, a simple stone-floored structure without walls or roof. A later replacement elsewhere proved too small, and in 1710 the present mosque was built at Tigo Tumpuak on the site of an abandoned pagoda. In 2010 it was designated a cultural heritage site.

The mosque is linked in local tradition to the peace made between Datuk Ketemanggungan and Datuk Perpatih Nan Sebatang after the Batu Batikam dispute over Minangkabau adat. A kenduri feast sealed the reconciliation, and the five-tiered roof is read as its sign. The tabuah, a drum cut from a coconut trunk about 220 cm long, hangs in the main hall.

The mosque sits close to the main road connecting Batusangkar and Padang, making it straightforward to locate. Inside you will find spaces set aside for Quran study and a designated area for removing footwear.

The five roof tiers are not flat but concave, with gaps between levels for light; the top holds an octagonal structure with glass windows and a pyramidal roof, from which residents' houses and Batusangkar can be seen. The main pillar is 75 cm across and rises 55 m, its wood gathered by locals over about a year from Bukit Sangkiang to Bukit Dadieh Talago Gunuang.