Setara Institute Condemns Police Dissolution of Ahmadiyah Youth Camp
The Setara Institute has expressed strong condemnation regarding the dissolution of an Ahmadiyah youth camping activity in Karanganyar, Central Java, by police authorities. The Executive Director of Setara Institute, Halili Hasan, stated that this incident serves as evidence of the state yielding to intolerant groups. He argued that the police should instead be upholding the law to protect and serve all segments of society, particularly vulnerable groups, noting that the activity organised by the Ahmadiyah Indonesia Congregation (JAI) was conducted peacefully, legally, and without disturbing public order.
Halili stated that the dissolution of the Ahmadiyah camping event was carried out by the police due to pressure from mass protests. “What is truly being demonstrated is the death of the supremacy of law and the political victory of intolerance,” Halili said in a statement on Saturday, 6 June 2026. The youth camp, held at Watu Gambir Park, Karangpandan, was dispersed by authorities following opposition from a group of Islamic mass organisations.
He highlighted a trend where security forces frequently use the pretext of maintaining public order to dissolve religious activities, including the closure of minority places of worship, the expulsion of minority communities, and the dissolution of discussion forums held by Indonesian citizens. “As a result, the state is indirectly sending a message that intimidation is an effective way to defeat the constitution,” he added.
Setara Institute noted that the Ahmadiyah community frequently falls victim to state-perpetuated discrimination. Halili remarked that for decades, the Ahmadiyah congregation has faced discrimination, persecution, expulsion, and the restriction of civil rights. He asserted that this event proves the government’s commitment to protecting religious freedom remains merely rhetorical, contradicting claims of Indonesia being a tolerant and democratic nation.
Setara urged President Prabowo Subianto to take concrete steps to ensure no further restrictions on religious freedom occur due to pressure from intolerant groups. Furthermore, Halili called on the Chief of National Police, General Listyo Sigit, to investigate all officers involved in the dissolution. He also demanded that local governments issue an apology to the Ahmadiyah congregation for failing to protect the constitutional rights of its citizens.
Yendra Budiana, Secretary of the Press for the Ahmadiyah Indonesia Muslim Congregation, stated that the camp included activities such as sports, hiking, games, and communal prayers. He noted that they had organised similar events in the same area previously without issue and had coordinated with the venue owners. The protests began after Friday prayers and continued into the night, forcing thousands of participants, including children and teenagers, to end their activities and return home early.
Meanwhile, Abu Hambra, Secretary of the Solo Raya Islamic Unity Forum (FUUI-SOYA), confirmed the opposition to the event, citing concerns regarding the spread of Ahmadiyah teachings. He stated that they had formally submitted a letter of objection to the relevant authorities.