Muhammadiyah Congregation Forcibly Dispersed While Preparing for Eid Prayer at Mosque

Muhammadiyah worshippers were prohibited from performing Eid al-Fitr prayers at Masjid Nurul Tajdid in the Pepabri area, Coppo Ward, Barru District, Barru Regency, South Sulawesi, on Friday morning (20/3/2026). The congregation was intercepted and forced to disband and leave the location. “Several 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 fulfil their 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 worshippers were prohibited from praying at a location that is a Muhammadiyah asset. To maintain conducive conditions and avoid physical clashes, the congregation ultimately did not insist on praying at the mosque. They decided to pray at Masjid Nurut Tarbiyah Muhammadiyah in Padaelo District, Tanete Rilau. “And some went to the Takkalasi Muhammadiyah Mosque in Balusu District, 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 several local residents violated the law. “The 1945 Constitution Article 29 Paragraph (2) on guarantees of freedom of worship. Law No. 39 of 1999 Article 22 on Human Rights. Article 175 of the Criminal Code regarding obstacles to religious gatherings with criminal threats,” explained Akhmad. Akhmad also regretted the attitude of the local sub-district head and ward head who were at the scene and instead asked the congregation to disperse. The actions of the government apparatus were deemed not to provide legal protection to Muhammadiyah residents and asset owners. “Local government apparatus did not provide effective solutions and instead asked Muhammadiyah residents 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. Urging the Regent to Intervene PDM Barru has 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 Muhammadiyah residents in managing their assets. Akhmad also called for an evaluation of government apparatus at the sub-district and ward levels. 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.