Sukabumi Mayor Faces Public Outcry Over Eid Prayer Location Dispute

Sukabumi, Indonesia – A tense atmosphere marked Eid al-Fitr prayers in Sukabumi on Friday, March 20, 2026, as Mayor Ayep Zaki was met with jeers and protests from members of the Muhammadiyah congregation. The discontent stemmed from the city government’s decision to deny Muhammadiyah access to Merdeka Square for their Eid prayers, leading worshippers to gather at the University of Muhammadiyah Sukabumi (UMMI) campus instead.

Disappointment and Accusations of Broken Promises

As Mayor Zaki began to address the congregation, shouts of “huu,” “balik-balik” (travel back), and accusations of “pembohong” (liar) erupted from the crowd, according to reports from TribunnewsBogor.com and Kompas.com. The protests were a direct response to the city’s refusal to grant permission for Muhammadiyah to hold their Eid prayer at Merdeka Square.

Rozak Daud, Chairman of the Legal and Human Rights Council of the Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership (PDM) of Sukabumi City, expressed deep disappointment, stating that the decision contradicted Mayor Zaki’s campaign promises. “In his campaign speeches and during the Pilkada debate, he stated he would support all religious activities, including Muhammadiyah’s Eid prayers in an open space,” Daud said, as reported by TribunnewsBogor.com. “The reality is, he’s not supporting the Eid prayer of the Muhammadiyah congregation at Merdeka Square. His actions do not align with his words, and promises.”

Mayor Zaki’s Explanation and Apology

Following the protests, Mayor Zaki issued an apology to the Muhammadiyah congregation. He explained that his promise to allow the use of Merdeka Square was made on a personal level, before assuming office and the responsibilities of regional head. Kompas.com reported that Zaki stated, “At that time, I was speaking on a personal behalf. Once I was appointed, I adhered to my duties as regional head which were regulated by laws and provisions.”

Zaki further clarified that the denial of access to Merdeka Square was based on the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ decision to hold Eid al-Fitr prayers on Saturday, March 21st. He emphasized that his decision was not motivated by intolerance and pledged to facilitate a meeting with Islamic organizations and leaders in April to address potential scheduling conflicts in future years, according to Kompas.com.

Protestors Cite Inconsistency and Lack of Support

Jemaah from the Kecamatan Cikole area, Rozak, voiced concerns about the lack of government support for religious diversity, stating, “This is a portrait of minimal government support for differences,” as reported by Liputan6.com. The congregation felt the decision was particularly disheartening given the mayor’s previous assurances of inclusivity.

Despite the tense situation, the Salat Id prayer proceeded peacefully at the UMMI campus. Mayor Zaki left the location after delivering his remarks and did not participate in the prayer with the congregation, as reported by TribunnewsBogor.com.