Angie Wuysang
Human rights violations against Ahmadiyah in Indonesia reflect a broader struggle between constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and the influence of intolerant groups. While Indonesia officially upholds religious pluralism through Pancasila and its constitution, in practice, Ahmadiyah communities have faced systematic discrimination, legal restrictions, and even violence. In December 2024, the Jemaah Ahmadiyah Indonesia (JAI) planned to hold its annual gathering, known as Jalsah Salanah, in Desa Manislor, Kecamatan Jalaksana, Kabupaten Kuningan, West Java. More than 6000 Jemaah Ahmadiyah from all over Indonesia will gather in Manislor to worship, learn about the values of peace, and bond with each other. Men, women, children, and the elderly have started arriving since the day before the annual event begins, while many others are still on their way. But then, the tense drama and tragedy that had long haunted Jemaah Ahmadiyah happened again on the afternoon of 5 December. After previously obtaining an organizing permit, suddenly one day before the activity began, a letter was issued prohibiting the activity by the Regent of Kuningan. The situation in Manislor was tense. Hundreds of police and also the military district commander (Dandim) arrived at Manislor, escorting about 30 people from several mass organizations who rejected the Ahmadiyah meeting. Then the police blockaded all the entry points of the village, whether the highway or every small alley. This blockade caused JAI members still arriving to be stranded at various points, including thousands of them in the train station. Not only that, but the authorities also intimidated JAI members who were already present at the event location.
In response to the cancellation of the Jalsah Salanah event in Manislor in December 2024, the online press conference by members of the Indonesian Freedom of Religion and Belief (KBB) Advocacy Coalition was facilitated by Pusat Studi Agama dan Demokrasi or PUSAD Paramadina. According to the Director of PUSAD Paramadina, Dr. Ihsan Ali Fauzi, PUSAD has been the co-host of the KBB coalition for the past 2 years. The purpose of this event is to provide an opportunity for those members of the KBB coalition to express their opinions or criticisms of what was happening in Manislor. The coalition issued a statement condemning the actions taken by both state and non-state actors. Those present expressed their stance were; Jemaah Ahmadiyah Indonesia ((JAI) Youth, Lembaga Bantuan Hukum (LBH) Bandung, Yayasan Lembaga Bantuan Hukum Indonesia (YLBHI), Lembaga Bantuan Hukum (LBH) Jentera, Persekutuan Gereja-gereja di Indonesia (PGI), Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies (ICRS), Pusham UII, Sobat Jentera, IMPARSIAL, KONTRAS, and PUSAD Paramadina. The press conference highlighted the deployment of security forces, including police and military, alongside members of mass organizations, to intimidate and prevent JAI members –among them the elderly, women, and children—from accessing the event venue.
At the opening of the press conference, Firdaus Mubarik, a young JAI member, recounted the chronology of the rejection and intimidation by authorities in Manislor. He also stated that, as Ahmadiyah members, various forms of rejection and even threats seem to have become a fate they must accept. Firdaus, like other members of the congregation, wonders what Indonesia wants with Ahmadiyah. They are accused of having exclusive teachings, yet when they try to hold public discussion, they are forcibly disbanded. Meanwhile, Muhamad Isnur, the chairman of YLBHI, stated that the incident in Manislor is a harsh blow to Indonesia’s diversity, as it clearly shows the state’s failure to commit human rights violations. Bugivia Maharani from LBH Jentera regretted that the police acted as an agent of political stabilization for certain groups, whereas they should have been neutral mediators working to ease tensions. In line with this, Reverend Jimmy Sormin from PGI emphasized that the church condemns the government’s decision to ban the Jalsah Salanah event. He stated that this stance is unconstitutional and discriminatory, especially since there are clear indications that the state is yielding to pressure from intolerant groups. Instead of taking action against those who oppose constitutional enforcement, the government is doing the exact opposite. Angelique from Solidaritas Korban Tindak Pelanggaran KBB (Sobat KBB) recounted the deep trauma experienced by Ahmadiyah members who were intimidated by authorities, especially women and children. She urged Komnas Perempuan to step in and protect hundreds of victims affected by this trauma. All coalition members who read their statement agreed that the government and security forces in Manislor, Kuningan, had committed human rights violations through their unconstitutional treatment of Jemaah Ahmadiyah during the Jaslah Salanah event. Therefore, they all urged the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri), the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), and the National Police to reassess their commitment to national unity and the constitution. They also called for strict action against the acting Regent (Pj Bupati) Kuningan and all authorities involved in the intimidation and blockade of the Jemaah Ahmadiyah.
From a human rights perspective, the forced cancellation of the Jalsah Salanah event by the government and police raises significant concerns. Freedom of religion, assembly, and expression are fundamental human rights protected under international law such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Indonesia’s constitution. The restriction of Ahmadiyah activities has been a recurring issue in Indonesia, often justified by maintaining “public order” or preventing social unrest. However, such actions can be seen as discriminatory and a violation of religious freedom, especially when they are based on a regional regulation like West Java Governor Regulation No. 12 of 2011, which restricts Ahmadiyah activities. While the government has a responsibility to maintain public order, it should also ensure that minority religious groups can practice their faith without fear of persecution or state intervention. It seems like a situation that could escalate tensions rather than resolve them. If the government keeps restricting Ahmadiyah activities without dialogue or legal clarity, it could deepen feelings of marginalization and even provoke stronger resistance from the community.
There have been cases where violence against JAI could have been prevented. For example, in 2010, when the Jalsah Salanah was planned to take place in Manislor. At that, challenges and opposition also came from various intolerant Islamic groups. However, the police chief at that time who was a woman, Chief of Police Adjunct Senior Commissioner (AKBP) Yoyoh Indayah, was able to uphold the constitution and stand at the forefront in ensuring the occurrence of the scheduled event. As a strong and capable leader, she handled a sensitive situation while trying to maintain peace. Unfortunately, not all authorities have the same courage in upholding the Constitution. Dr. Zainal Abidin Bagir, director of ICRS Yogyakarta, who was also presented, stated that the government is mistaken if it thinks that its patterns of constitutional violations concern only Ahmadiyah. In reality, this is an issue that affects many Indonesians across various societal layers. According to him, this situation serves as a test for the new government. Yet, so early in its term, it has already visibly failed in this case.
Is there any chance of change in how the Indonesian government handles religious minorities, or is it likely to stay the same? It is really hard to predict, especially with Indonesia’s complex religious and political landscape. Change could happen if there is enough pressure, legal challenges, or perhaps international attention. But given past patterns, it might take a long time. As for now, there is no public record of either from the Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai or President Prabowo Subianto himself commenting specifically on the cancellation of the Jalsah Salanah event by the Jemaah Ahmadiyah Indonesia (JAI) in Manislor, Kuningan, West Java, in December 2024. While civil society organizations and some government figures advocate for reform, progress remains slow, and Ahmadiyah communities continue to live under constant threat.
