Academic Freedom Under Threat: Ahmadiyah Event Cancelled at IAIN Manado

JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Amnesty International Indonesia has strongly condemned recent acts of discrimination against members of the Ahmadiyah community in two separate cities: Banjar, West Java, and Manado, North Sulawesi.

These actions, which include restricting religious practices and silencing public discussions, are described as systemic violations of religious freedom.

Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, criticized the Banjar city government for continuing authoritarian practices by preventing Ahmadiyah members in Tanjungsukur from practicing their faith. He pointed out that repeated harassment, including forced shutdowns of religious activities, intimidation, and evictions, reveals a pattern of state-backed discrimination.

In Manado, a planned book discussion about the Ahmadiyah community at the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) was abruptly cancelled under pressure from religious authorities. Amnesty condemned the university’s decision, emphasizing that academic institutions should foster free thought and open discussion rather than yield to external pressures.

Hamid expressed concern over how discourse on Ahmadiyah has become taboo, even in academic settings. He stressed that universities must remain safe spaces for critical dialogue and the exchange of ideas, particularly when addressing marginalized groups.

Amnesty highlighted that banning peaceful gatherings and discussions, such as the book event at IAIN Manado, violates constitutional rights and academic freedom. The decision to cancel the event, following a letter from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), shows how religious pressure can compromise university independence.

The organization urged the Indonesian government to ensure regional authorities protect the rights of all citizens, including Ahmadiyah followers, to worship freely and without fear. Amnesty cited Articles 28E and 29 of the Indonesian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and belief.

Amnesty also called for the repeal of the controversial 2008 Joint Ministerial Decree, which is often used to justify discrimination against the Ahmadiyah. They emphasized that the state must actively oppose all forms of intolerance and uphold international human rights obligations.

Earlier this month, officials in Banjar visited the sealed Ahmadiyah prayer site in Tanjungsukur and warned against further religious activity there. They announced plans to post banners declaring the area off-limits to the Ahmadiyah and threatened further action for non-compliance.

Meanwhile in Manado, the cancelled book discussion was organized by Gusdurian Manado and other local advocacy groups. The event aimed to examine a book written by an IAIN alumnus about the Ahmadiyah faith but was halted following MUI’s objections, citing the 2008 decree and religious fatwas.

Amnesty concluded by reaffirming that both international human rights law and Indonesia’s own constitution protect the rights of individuals to practice their religion and express their beliefs freely. The organization urged immediate state action to uphold these rights and stop the ongoing repression of the Ahmadiyah community.(Uki Ruknuddin)