Muhammadiyah Congregation Banned and Forced to Disperse Eid Prayer at Mosque
The Muhammadiyah congregation was prohibited from performing Eid al-Fitr prayers at Masjid Nurul Tajdid in the Pepabri area, Coppo Ward, Barru Subdistrict, Barru Regency, South Sulawesi, on Friday morning (20/3/2026). The congregation was intercepted and forced to disperse and leave the location.
“Some local residents carried out a unilateral blockade,” stated Akhmad Jamaluddin, Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership (PDM) Barru, in his statement as reported by detikSulsel.
The incident began when the Muhammadiyah congregation intended to perform worship at Masjid Nurul Tajdid. However, the mosque is legally an official Muhammadiyah asset based on the Deed of Waqf Declaration. Akhmad was astonished that the congregation was prohibited from praying at a location that is a Muhammadiyah asset.
The congregation ultimately did not force the issue of praying at the mosque to maintain conducive conditions and avoid physical clashes. The congregation decided to pray at Masjid Nurut Tarbiyah Muhammadiyah in Padaelo, Tanete Rilau Subdistrict.
“And some went to the Muhammadiyah Takkalasi mosque in Balusu Subdistrict, under time pressure to still be able to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers,” said Akhmad.
Akhmad expressed deep concern and strongly protested the blockade and prohibition incident. He assessed that the actions of some local residents violated the law.
“1945 Constitution Article 29 Paragraph (2) on guarantees of freedom of worship. Law No. 39 of 1999 Article 22 on Human Rights. Criminal Code Article 175 regarding obstruction of religious gatherings with criminal threats,” explained Akhmad.
Akhmad also regretted the attitude of the local subdistrict head and ward head who were at the location but instead asked the congregation to disperse. The government apparatus’s actions were deemed not to provide legal protection to the Muhammadiyah community and asset owners.
“The local government apparatus did not provide an effective solution and instead asked the Muhammadiyah community to disperse,” he explained.
“This is a bad precedent. The presence of state apparatus should ensure that citizens’ right to worship is protected, not submit to mass pressure,” Akhmad emphasised.
Call for Regent to Intervene
PDM Barru urged Barru Regent Andi Ina Kartika Sari to immediately intervene. The regency government is requested to initiate fair mediation and provide permanent security guarantees for the Muhammadiyah community in managing their assets.
Akhmad also called for an evaluation of government apparatus at the subdistrict and ward levels. The local government officials were assessed as failing to carry out their functions in fostering and protecting interfaith harmony as well as the supremacy of law.
“PDM Barru will pursue legal channels to ensure that the organisation’s rights remain upheld and there is no more tolerance for acts of intolerance in Barru Regency,” explained Akhmad.