A regional head should make the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia (UUD 1945) their primary foundation.

Pemerintahan
Senin, 19 Oktober 2026 14:03 WIB
Oleh Effatha Gloria V.G. Tamburian
Editor Effatha Gloria V.G. Tamburian

Pengamat Sosial Hizkia Darmayana. (istimewa)

Tasikmalaya, Gesuri.id – Social observer Hizkia Darmayana has criticized the stance of Tasikmalaya Regent Cecep Nurul Yakin, who urged the Ahmadiyya community to halt their religious event, *Jalsah Salanah*.

According to Hizkia, the fact that this demand was driven by pressure from certain groups points to a serious issue regarding the local government’s commitment to the constitution and the protection of citizens' rights.

Hizkia emphasized that a regional head should prioritize the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia (UUD 1945) as the primary basis for decision-making, rather than yielding to pressure from groups seeking to restrict the religious activities of others.

"The Regent of Tasikmalaya must demonstrate a clear commitment to the constitution. It should not appear as though the local government is more beholden to the pressure of specific groups than it is to the 1945 Constitution. In a state governed by the rule of law, the constitutional rights of citizens must not be sacrificed to satisfy the demands of those who seek to impose restrictions on certain religious groups," Hizkia asserted on Monday (October 19, 2026).

The GMNI alumnus noted that freedom of religion and worship is a fundamental right guaranteed by the constitution. Article 28E, paragraphs (1) and (2) of the 1945 Constitution, guarantee the freedom to practice religion, worship, and hold personal beliefs. Furthermore, Article 29, paragraph (2) affirms that the state guarantees the freedom of every resident to embrace a religion and to worship according to their own religion or belief.

"The constitution must not be interpreted selectively—as if only the majority group is entitled to protection. The state is obligated to protect every citizen without discrimination. Local governments must not allow social pressure to be used as an instrument to curtail the constitutional rights of minority groups," he stated. Hizkia argues that the *Jalsah Salanah* event—conducted peacefully and in compliance with legal requirements—is, in principle, an exercise of the rights to freedom of religion and assembly. Therefore, any government decision regarding such an event must be based on applicable law, objective considerations, and respect for human rights.

The government should not use the objections of one group as the sole justification for pressuring another religious group to cease its activities.

"Do not allow pressure from certain groups to serve as a substitute for due legal process. While public order must be maintained, it should not be used as a pretext to strip citizens of their constitutional rights," said Hizkia.

He added that the role of a regional head is not merely to defuse tension by acceding to the demands of those who voice their objections the loudest. Regional leaders also bear the responsibility of ensuring that all members of society—including minority groups—can exercise their rights free from intimidation or discrimination.

On this basis, Hizkia urges the Regent of Tasikmalaya, Cecep Nurul Yakin, to re-evaluate his approach to handling the *Jalsah Salanah* issue and to ensure that all local government policies are grounded in the 1945 Constitution and prevailing laws and regulations.

"The Regent must act as a leader for all citizens, not just for the group that exerts the strongest social pressure. In a democratic nation, the measure of leadership is the courage to uphold the Constitution—even when faced with demands from groups seeking to curtail the rights of others," he asserted.

"The 1945 Constitution must be the guiding authority in the administration of government. Citizens' constitutional rights must never be sacrificed to the pressure of any particular group," Hizkia concluded.

Effatha Gloria V.G. Tamburian
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