SETARA Criticises Discrimination Stemming from Idul Fitri Date Differences
Differences in determining Idul Fitri between Muhammadiyah and the government have sparked suspicions of violations of religious freedom. The SETARA Institute notes that residents and authorities in several areas rejected or obstructed Muhammadiyah’s Lebaran celebrations, despite such differences being part of Indonesia’s diversity.
SETARA Institute Executive Director Halili Hasan stated that this discrimination shows reluctance from society and the government to celebrate diversity, including in determining Idul Fitri. According to Halili, the difference in the timing of Idul Fitri 1447 Hijriah between Muhammadiyah and the Ministry of Religious Affairs is part of Indonesia’s diversity.
“Differences in beliefs, which imply differences in methods and criteria for determining Idul Fitri, are part of internal freedom (forum internum) that must not be interfered with by any external party,” Halili said in a written statement on 23 March 2026.
Muhammadiyah celebrated Idul Fitri a day earlier than the government’s decision through the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ isbat session. However, according to SETARA, the government and parts of society are suspected of violating religious freedom rights due to the difference in Lebaran dates. The SETARA Institute, an organisation focused on research and advocacy for democracy, human rights (HAM), pluralism, and religious/belief freedom in Indonesia, recorded at least three violation cases.
The first case occurred in Sukabumi City, where the government did not permit the use of Merdeka Field for Muhammadiyah residents’ Idul Fitri prayers. The local government reasoned that Idul Fitri prayers must align with the central government’s isbat session results.
The second case was in Barru Regency, South Sulawesi. Muhammadiyah congregants were intercepted and forced to disperse while attempting to pray at Masjid Nurul Tajdid, which is Muhammadiyah’s own asset. The third case took place in Kedungwinong, Sukoharjo Regency, Central Java, when the village head prohibited Muhammadiyah residents from performing Idul Fitri prayers. “The cases in these three locations demonstrate mistaken perspectives and actions by the government and society,” Halili said.
Halili reminded that the government’s role as a representation of the state is to educate society to be tolerant and accustomed to differences. The nation’s founders established Indonesia as a Pancasila State, a Diverse State, a “One for All, All for One, All for All” State. In this context, SETARA emphasises that the state must not be discriminatory by privileging one group of citizens over others.
Halili also highlighted the role of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in managing diversity. According to him, MUI’s views or fatwas should not be treated as the sole religious reference that erases diverse opinions. “Religious figures must continue to educate the community to think, behave, and act tolerantly towards various differences in Indonesia’s diversity management,” he said.
SETARA Institute data from 2007 to 2025 shows that Indonesia still faces issues with religious freedom at the societal level. The main problems are weak intra- and inter-religious literacy, increasing segregation, and narrowing spaces for cross-identity encounters. SETARA also notes the strengthening of religious conservatism, and the coercive capacity of citizens to take horizontal forceful actions is increasing, often accompanied by violence against those with different views and beliefs.
The government set 1 Syawal 1447 Hijriah or Lebaran on Saturday, 21 March 2026, through the isbat session led by Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar on Thursday, 19 March 2026. This decision differs from PP Muhammadiyah, which set Idul Fitri on 20 March 2026.
Meanwhile, PP Muhammadiyah General Chairman Haedar Nashir addressed the differences in Idul Fitri determination after Id prayers and a sermon at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) on Friday, 20 March 2026. He urged society not to sharpen differences and emphasised that differences are normal, not a source of conflict. “There is no need to sharpen differences, let alone seek self-justification by blaming others. Both in the context of citizenship and governance, all parties must restrain themselves,” he said.
Haedar also invited society, including national elites, to make Idul Fitri a moment to draw closer to Allah. He also stressed the importance of ihsan values in personal life, nationhood, and statehood.