TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The difference in the determination of Eid al-Fitr day between Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian government has sparked allegations of religious freedom violations. SETARA Institute noted that residents and officials in several areas rejected or obstructed the Muhammadiyah Eid al-Fitr celebration, despite the differences being part of Indonesia's diversity.
Executive Director of SETARA Institute, Halili Hasan, stated that this discrimination indicates the reluctance of society and the government to celebrate diversity, including in the determination of Eid al-Fitr day. According to Halili, the difference in the 1447 Hijriyah Eid al-Fitr date between Muhammadiyah and the Ministry of Religious Affairs is part of Indonesia's diversity.
"Differences in beliefs, which imply differences in methods and criteria in determining Eid al-Fitr day, are part of internal freedom (forum internum) that should not be intervened by any external party," said Halili in a written statement on March 23, 2026.
Muhammadiyah celebrates Eid al-Fitr a day earlier than the government's decision through the Ministry of Religious Affairs' isbat session. However, according to SETARA, the government and some society members allegedly violate religious freedom rights due to the difference in the Eid al-Fitr day. SETARA Institute, a research and advocacy institution focusing on democracy, human rights, pluralism, and freedom of religion/beliefs in Indonesia, recorded at least three cases of violations.
The first case occurred in the city of Sukabumi, where the government did not grant permission to use Merdeka Square for the Muhammadiyah Eid al-Fitr prayer. The local government cited that the Eid al-Fitr prayer must be in sync with the central government's isbat results.
The second case took place in Barru Regency, South Sulawesi. Muhammadiyah congregation members were intercepted and forced to disband when they were about to pray at the Nurul Tajdid Mosque, which is a Muhammadiyah asset. The third case occurred in Kedungwinong, Sukoharjo Regency, Central Java, when the village head prohibited the Muhammadiyah citizens from performing the Eid al-Fitr prayer. "The cases in these three locations indicate the government and society's perspective and actions," said Halili.
Halili reminded of the government's role as the country's representation to educate society to be tolerant and accustomed to differences. The country's founders have established Indonesia as the Pancasila State, Unity in Diversity, 'One for All, All for One, All for All.' In this context, SETARA asserts that the country must not discriminate by favoring 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 reference for religious matters that eradicate diverse views. "Religious figures must continue to educate the public to think, act, and behave in a tolerant manner towards various differences in Indonesia's diversity," he said.
SETARA Institute data from 2007 to 2025 shows that Indonesia still faces issues of religious freedom at the community level. The main problems are the weak intra and inter-religious literacy, increasing segregation, and narrowing space for inter-identity encounters. SETARA also noted the strengthening of religious conservatism and the coercive capacity of citizens to take forced horizontal actions, often accompanied by violence against those with different views and beliefs.
The government set 1 Syawal 1447 Hijriah or Eid al-Fitr on Saturday, March 21, 2026, through an isbat session led by Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar on Thursday, March 19, 2026. This decision differed from Muhammadiyah's PP, which set Eid al-Fitr on March 20, 2026.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Muhammadiyah PP, Haedar Nashir, highlighted the difference in Eid al-Fitr determination after the Eid prayer and sermon at Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY) on Friday, March 20, 2026. He urged people not to sharpen differences and emphasized that differences are normal and should not be a source of conflict. "There is no need to sharpen differences, let alone seek justification by blaming others. Both in the context of citizenship and government, all parties must restrain themselves," he said.
Haedar also urged the public, including the nation's elites, to make Eid al-Fitr a moment to draw closer to Allah. He also emphasized the importance of the values of ihsan in personal, national, and state life.
Andi Adam Faturahman and Pribadi Wicaksono contributed for this article.
Read: Indonesia Officially Sets Eid al-Fitr for March 21
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