STJ Tasikmalaya Retreat Building Torched by Mob, Police Investigate Allegations of Deviant Sect

A building owned by the Saung Taraju Jumantara (STJ) retreat in Kampung Babakan Salak, Desa Purwarahayu, Kecamatan Taraju, Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java, was torched by a group of locals on Wednesday night (1/4). The action occurred because residents believed the faith practitioners at the site were spreading deviant teachings.

The incident began after a post from the TikTok account @Ilham Zainuri, featuring alleged activities at the retreat, went viral on social media. Tensions escalated when the owner, Khobir, failed to attend a community meeting despite a prior live TikTok broadcast deemed inappropriate by local customs.

Tata (50), a resident of Kertaraharja, stated that the torched Saung Taraju Jumantara building belonged to Khobir. She noted that the retreat had previously housed a pesantren but had been inactive for a long time.

According to her, the arson was triggered by residents’ disappointment after mediation attempts went unattended by the owner.

“We held mediation at the sub-district level with the MUI and several clerics, but Khobir did not attend the deliberation, and his absence provoked residents’ emotions, leading to the arson in Kampung Babakan Salak. The fire prompted the sub-district government, village, and security forces to secure the area,” she said on Monday (6/4/2026).

Taraju Sub-District Head Dedi Herniwan regretted the arson, as prior deliberations had sought a joint solution.

He affirmed that, based on information received by the sub-district government, no activities spreading deviant sects were found at the site, yet residents’ disappointment still sparked anger.

“For Saung Taraju Jumantara, there were no activities by the faith practitioners spreading deviant teachings, but residents felt disappointed and angry. We have ensured the situation is conducive, and the main building has been demolished at the family’s request to prevent further unrest,” he said.

Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Tasikmalaya Regency, KH Acep Thohir Fuad, stated that his organisation would accompany the legal process in the case. He emphasised that the MUI is present to maintain order and the purity of the community’s faith.

“Moral depravity must not be tolerated, but resolutions must be peaceful to avoid division,” he said.

Currently, Tasikmalaya Police Resort is investigating allegations of religious misleading by the group known as “bbdram”. Authorities stressed that the case will be handled through legal channels, while the MUI awaits an official assessment from the central level regarding the status of the teachings.