October 20, 2026

Tasikmalaya – Rejection of religious activities has once again occurred in Indonesia. This time, the opposition also involves local government officials.

Cecep Nurul Yakin is currently in the public spotlight. The Regent of Tasikmalaya has appealed to the Indonesian Ahmadiyya Muslim Congregation (JAI) to discontinue its Jalasah Salanah (Islamic gathering) in Tenjowaringin Village, Salawu District, Tasikmalaya Regency.

“Regarding the activities that took place this afternoon, please refrain from them tomorrow,” Cecep said in a video circulating on social media. He argued that the activities had provoked reactions that could potentially disrupt public order.

This decision sparked criticism. As regional heads, public officials should ideally act as protectors and bridges of peace, embracing all levels of society and guaranteeing citizens’ constitutional rights, rather than bowing to pressure from certain groups.

In response to this situation, the GUSDURian Network released an open letter dated October 17, 2026, signed by the Director of the GUSDURian Network, Alissa Wahid. As reported on the official Instagram accounts of the GUSDURian Network and GUSDURian Tasikmalaya, the letter reminded that Jalasah Salanah is a religious activity that must be carried out safely, orderly, and without violating applicable regulations in the region.

The GUSDURian Network also emphasized that the Ahmadiyah community has constitutional rights as guaranteed by Article 28E and Article 29 paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution. Furthermore, referring to the Joint Decree (SKB) of the 3 Ministers, the Ahmadiyah Congregation is not prohibited from conducting religious activities or internal worship, but is only prohibited from spreading its beliefs outside.

This incident adds to the long list of religious intolerance cases in Indonesia. The key to resolving it lies in equal dialogue and mutual respect. The Tasikmalaya Regency Government, through the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB) and related institutions, needs to promote peaceful dialogue to prevent similar conflicts from recurring.

Ultimately, democracy is more than just going to the polling station to vote. It’s a guarantee of the fulfillment of the basic rights of all citizens without exception.

When the state chooses to bow to the demands of the masses rather than abide by the constitution, it sets a dire precedent for human rights protection. Fear of potential disturbances should not be used as an excuse for public officials to sacrifice the religious rights of minority groups. If the logic of enforcement consistently sacrifices vulnerable groups, the state is indirectly creating space for coercion and weakening legal certainty itself.

A substantive stance on diversity demands the courage of a leader to prioritize the interests of all groups, not merely short-term political calculations. Protecting the internal activities of groups like the Ahmadiyah is a real test of whether the constitutional promise is truly implemented at the regional level. Without firmness in safeguarding religious freedom, the government’s frequently touted slogan of tolerance will remain empty rhetoric without any real meaning.

Emil Maula

GUSDURian Community Activist in Bandung.

source https://gusdurian.net/2026/10/20/bupati-tasikmalaya-dan-ujian-toleransi-di-tengah-keberagaman/