A video that falsely claims to show a Christmas celebration at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta has sparked controversy on social media. The footage, originally from a 2024 event commemorating Indonesia’s independence, has been misrepresented in posts suggesting it depicts Christians celebrating at the mosque and portrays religious tolerance as “going too far.”
A senior official at the mosque, Abu Hurairah Abdul Salam, firmly denied these claims, stating that there has never been a Christmas celebration at the mosque. He clarified that the video, which is nearly four minutes long, was recorded during a gathering on August 31, 2024, to celebrate Indonesia’s independence day. “It is impossible that there was a Christmas celebration at Istiqlal Mosque,” he told AFP on January 6, 2026.
The misleading posts began circulating shortly after December 25, 2025, with captions implying that the event represented a breakdown of religious values in Indonesia. Comments on social media reflected sentiments of discontent, with some users expressing fears of divine retribution for what they viewed as a transgression against Islamic values.
The video shows attendees dressed in red and white, the colors of Indonesia’s national flag, singing the national anthem. This attire was intended as a “symbol of our love for the country,” according to a statement from the Jagat ‘Arsy International Boarding School, which organized the event. The gathering also featured religious sermons and prayers, further emphasizing its patriotic intent rather than a religious celebration of Christmas.
According to the Pew Research Center, Christians make up approximately 11 percent of Indonesia’s population, which is the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom noted in September 2025 that while Indonesia’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, religious minorities continue to face systematic discrimination.
Local media reports have highlighted ongoing challenges faced by these communities, underscoring the importance of accurate representation and the consequences of misinformation.
The video misrepresentation has been debunked previously by AFP, which clarified that it does not depict a Christian congregation preparing for a visit by Pope Francis. The original event was livestreamed on the Jagat ‘Arsy YouTube channel, although the footage has since been removed. A search on YouTube revealed that images from the falsely circulated video match elements seen in the livestream, indicating the video was taken out of context.
Misinformation like this not only misrepresents events but also exacerbates tensions surrounding religious identity in Indonesia. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing, particularly in a country where religious harmony is vital yet continues to face challenges.
