JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – In response to the Kuningan Regency Government’s decision to prohibit the annual Jalsah Salanah gathering of the Ahmadiyah Indonesia Community in Manislor Village, West Java, Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, expressed disappointment and concern.

“It is deeply regrettable that this act of intolerance comes just two days after the President emphasized the importance of diversity and harmony as a cornerstone of national unity,” Usman said.

“This incident highlights a lack of coherence between central and regional government policies regarding the protection of human rights in Indonesia.”

Despite changes in administrations, the state’s approach towards the Ahmadiyah Community remains consistently intolerant. According to Usman, the justification for banning the event—‘to maintain regional harmony’—is unacceptable and undermines the constitutional freedom to practice religion according to personal beliefs.

Usman noted that this is not an isolated incident. Over the years, the Ahmadiyah Community has faced repeated acts of discrimination, including the dissolution of religious events, intimidation, forced evictions, and even persecution. These incidents, he said, represent a systematic pattern of discrimination against religious minorities in Indonesia.

Amnesty International Indonesia has called on the Kuningan Regency Government to immediately revoke the ban and allow the Ahmadiyah Community to hold their Jalsah Salanah gathering without interference. Usman also urged national authorities to ensure that local governments respect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.

In addition, Amnesty called for the repeal of the 2008 Joint Ministerial Decree issued by the Minister of Religious Affairs, the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Attorney General. The organization argued that this decree forms the foundation for widespread discrimination against the Ahmadiyah Community and should be revoked to protect religious freedom.