Explanation of the Viral Istiqlal Mosque Staff Incident
UncategorizedIncident Summary
On August 16, 2025, a video went viral on social media showing a female staff member at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque appearing to scold several people in a harsh tone using a loudspeaker (TOA).
Background of the Incident
Morning Cleaning Routine
- The incident occurred during the staff’s daily mosque cleaning routine
- According to SOP (Standard Operating Procedures), people sleeping or resting are asked to move to other locations for everyone’s comfort and health
Warning Chronology
- First Warning: Staff gave gentle, polite reminders
- Second Warning: The individuals woke up but went back to sleep
- Third Warning: Staff finally raised their voice as previous warnings were ineffective
Clarification from Istiqlal Mosque Management
Official Statement
Andi M. Ali (Sub-head of Legal Cooperation and Protocol Public Relations at Istiqlal Mosque) explained:
- The viral video only showed a snippet of the incident, not from the beginning
- Staff had repeatedly given polite warnings beforehand
- Firm action was taken because gentle warnings were ignored
Profile of People in the Video
- Not congregants who came to worship
- Individuals who were merely using the mosque for rest/sleep
- Referred to as “resident congregants” who routinely engage in such activities
Appeal from the Mosque Management
Istiqlal Mosque management appeals for:
- Public compliance with regulations in public spaces
- Respect for rules for everyone’s comfort
- Understanding that every place of worship has regulations that must be followed
Lessons from This Incident
This incident reminds us of the importance of:
Maintaining the primary function of places of worship as facilities for worship, not personal rest areas
Understanding the full context before judging a situation
Respecting rules and regulations in public spaces