Sukabumi Mayor Faces Protests Over Idul Fitri Prayer Permit Dispute

Sukabumi, Indonesia – A chorus of boos and jeers erupted as Sukabumi Mayor Ayep Zaki attempted to deliver remarks during Eid al-Fitr prayers held by the Muhammadiyah congregation on Friday morning. The vocal disapproval from worshippers underscored growing discontent over the mayor’s decision to deny the organization permission to hold the prayers at Lapang Merdeka, Sukabumi’s central public square.

The heckling continued as Zaki began speaking, gradually subsiding only after he departed the vicinity of the Muhammadiyah University complex, according to eyewitness accounts. Rozak Daud, a participant in the Eid prayers, explained that the outburst was a direct expression of disappointment with the mayor’s actions.

“The government is present, but its words and actions do not align,” Daud stated following the prayers. “He had previously stated his support for all religious activities, regardless of differences, but his actions demonstrate the opposite.” Daud added that the congregation viewed the decision as unjust.

The core of the dispute centers on Zaki’s refusal to grant Muhammadiyah permission to use Lapang Merdeka for their Eid prayers. Daud further emphasized that the denial contradicted a key promise made by Zaki during his election campaign. “He promised to provide space for worship at Lapang Merdeka. This is a betrayal of that promise,” he said.

When questioned about the incident, Mayor Zaki acknowledged making the pledge during his campaign but attempted to distinguish between his personal commitments and his official capacity as mayor. “That promise was made personally, before I assumed office,” Zaki explained to reporters at the Sukabumi BKPSDM office. “Once I was inaugurated, I was bound by the duties of my position and the regulations governing it. Personal decisions cannot be translated into constitutional ones.”

Zaki attributed the denial of permission to a scheduling conflict with guidance from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which had designated Saturday, March 21st, as the official date for Eid al-Fitr prayers nationwide. He maintained that his decision was not motivated by intolerance. “The reason we didn’t allow it at Lapang Merdeka is because we were following the decision of the Minister of Religious Affairs,” he said.

Zaki stated his intention to initiate a more comprehensive dialogue with Islamic organizations, pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) and religious leaders in April to prevent similar misunderstandings in the future. “We will gather all Islamic organizations and Islamic figures, also Islamic boarding schools, we will gather together to address what will happen in the coming years when there are differences in the time of performing Eid prayers, we will address it in April immediately,” he affirmed. He reiterated his commitment to tolerance, stating, “There is absolutely no intolerance on my part. In fact, I uphold tolerance.”