Abah Setu Apologises Following Alleged Insults to Prophet, Leading to Protest in Bekasi
Police have conducted a clarification session with the leader of the Majelis Darul Nurul Hikam in Bekasi, Asep Setiawan, also known as Abah Setu, regarding allegations of insulting Prophet Muhammad SAW. Abah Setu has expressed his apologies.
“In that forum, Asep Setiawan conveyed his apologies for his statements that caused public objection. Meanwhile, the information and evidence obtained are still being investigated by the police,” said the Head of Public Relations of the Metro Jaya Regional Police, Kombes Budi Hermanto, to reporters on Thursday (10/9/2026).
The clarification and mediation process was held at the Bekasi Metro Police Headquarters. The activity involved several relevant parties, including members of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of Bekasi Regency, religious figures, community leaders, and representatives from various community organisations.
“The police will continue to investigate the incident, monitoring and communicating with all parties to ensure that the security and public order situation remains safe and conducive,” said Buju.
“The public is also urged to remain calm and to refrain from any actions that could disturb security and order,” he added.
Previously, the allegations of Abah Setu insulting the Prophet went viral on social media. In a video recording circulating widely, Abah Setu was seen speaking to his congregation.
He subsequently touched upon the subject of Prophet Muhammad, claiming his followers were ‘trapped by Sharia’, leading to controversial statements alleged to be insulting to the Prophet.
In the video, Abah Setu also instructed his followers not to attend Quranic studies at the Majelis Dzikir Nurul Hikam, which he leads. The video provoked a reaction from residents, leading to a crowd gathering at his assembly.
These statements triggered a mass reaction. A crowd descended upon the Majelis Darul Nurul Hikam on Monday (7/9) night.
The Bekasi Metro Police and the West Cikarang Sector Police deployed to the location to calm the crowd. Residents arrived at the Majelis Dzikir Nurul Hikam that night to seek clarification from Abah Setu regarding his social media statements.
Budi Hermanto confirmed that police were present at the location that night to prevent any physical confrontation. The police urged citizens to remain calm and not to take the law into their own hands.
“Officers urged residents to remain calm, not to take the law into their own hands, and to report any alleged criminal acts through official police reports,” said Budi.