MI Strongly Condemns Ban on Muhammadiyah Residents' Eid al-Fitr Prayers in Various Regions

The Maarif Institute (MI) regards a series of bans and blockades on Eid al-Fitr 1447 H prayers against Muhammadiyah residents in various regions as a serious threat to national life. The institution assesses that this recurring annual incident now targets one of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organisations. Several field incidents demonstrate a concerning situation. In Barru Regency, South Sulawesi, Muhammadiyah residents were reportedly intercepted and forced to disperse while attempting to perform Eid al-Fitr 1447 H prayers at Masjid Nurul Tajdid, an official asset of the organisation. Meanwhile, in Sukabumi City, West Java, the local government rejected permission to use Merdeka Field as the location for Eid al-Fitr 1447 H prayers on Friday (20/3/2026). The reason given was that the event must follow the results of the central government’s isbat session. A similar case occurred in Kedung Winong, Sukoharjo, Central Java, where the village head initially prohibited the performance of Eid al-Fitr 1447 H prayers for Muhammadiyah residents. According to the Maarif Institute, the situation in various regions has worsened following a statement from the Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), KH Cholil Nafis. This figure stated that determining Eid al-Fitr outside the government’s decision is haram, under the pretext of maintaining unity. “Theological-political statements like this, although possibly intended to strengthen the ummah, in practice have the potential to become justifications for persecutory actions in the field,” as quoted from the Maarif Institute’s written statement, cited by Republika on Sunday (22/3/2026).