ARI Working Paper Series

The long and uneasy relationship between Ahmadiyah and mainstream Muslims took a turn during the period between 1980 and 2005 when the MUI (Indonesian Ulama Council) issued edicts (fatwa) on the heresy of Ahmadiyah. After these consecutive edicts were publicly declared, the Ahmadis became the major target of persecution, and violent attacks. In Lombok in particular Ahamadi followers were forced to leave their destroyed houses, mosques and schools to live as refugees in a public shelter. This paper is a study of the Ahmadiyah sect and the basis of its beliefs. It also traces the origin and development of the sect in Indonesia and the subsequent debates and controversy which led to the religious group being “de-legitimized” by the state. This paper argues that government interference in the definition of officially acceptable religion has heightened religious violence. The research also reveals how government treats Ahmadiyah refugees who for so long have become the victims or the silent majority of this conflict.