Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation Urges Police Chief to Reprimand Officials for Dispersing Ahmadiyya Youth Camp

The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) has strongly condemned the forceful disbandment of a youth camp organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Karanganyar, Central Java. The incident, which occurred on Friday, June 5, 2026, saw police break up the gathering at Watu Gambir Park.

YLBHI Chairman Muhammad Isnur has called upon the Indonesian National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR) to issue reprimands and conduct an evaluation of the Karanganyar Police Chief and the Central Java Regional Police Chief. Isnur emphasized the importance of these actions to ensure the police force upholds the rule of law and respects human rights.

According to Isnur, the dispersal demonstrated a failure by the state to protect the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble, organize, and engage in peaceful activities. He highlighted the irony that young citizens, eager to participate in national activities, faced threats, intimidation, and discrimination, with state apparatus allegedly enabling or participating in the suppression.

Isnur stressed that the Central Java Regional Police and the Karanganyar Police should protect all citizens without discrimination, resisting pressure from intolerant groups or those violating human rights. He asserted that law enforcement should ensure legitimate and peaceful activities proceed safely, rather than forcibly halting them. Furthermore, Isnur called for legal action against individuals or groups responsible for threats, intimidation, and disruption of citizens' activities, stating the police have a duty to prevent persecution and prosecute lawbreakers.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community confirmed the event's disruption, noting that thousands of children and teenagers were forced to return home early due to pressure from a demonstration by approximately 100 individuals identifying as the "Forum Ukhuwah Umat Islam Solo Raya." These protesters cited the Ahmadiyya community's teachings as deviant.