A video falsely claiming to show Christians celebrating Christmas at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta has circulated widely, misleading viewers about the event’s true nature. The footage, which has been shared across social media platforms, actually depicts a gathering held to honor Indonesia’s independence, not a religious celebration. A senior official from the mosque and the event’s organizers have refuted the claims, clarifying the context and purpose of the gathering.
The video in question, shared on December 29, 2025, features attendees dressed in red and white, the colors of Indonesia’s national flag. According to the Jagat ‘Arsy International Boarding School, which organized the event, these colors were worn as a “symbol of love for the country.” The gathering took place on August 31, 2024, and included religious sermons, prayers, and a rendition of the national anthem.
“It is impossible that there was a Christmas celebration at Istiqlal Mosque,”
stated Abu Hurairah Abdul Salam, a senior official at the mosque, when contacted by AFP. He emphasized that the video misrepresents the event, which was designed to commemorate Indonesia’s independence.
The false narrative surrounding the video suggests that it illustrates religious tolerance being “taken too far.” Comments on social media reflect a negative sentiment, with users expressing concerns that such events could lead to divine retribution. The video features individuals in Santa Claus-like costumes but does not depict a Christmas celebration.
According to the Pew Research Center, Christians make up approximately 11 percent of Indonesia’s population, which is predominantly Muslim. While the Indonesian constitution guarantees religious freedom, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom reported in September 2025 that religious minorities still face systematic discrimination.
Local media outlets have documented the challenges faced by these communities, indicating that the climate for religious tolerance is complex. The misleading video has amplified these tensions, with many interpreting it as indicative of deeper societal issues.
The footage began to circulate on TikTok and Instagram following Christmas, leading to further misunderstandings about the event’s purpose. Despite the claims, previous investigations by AFP have debunked similar assertions regarding the mosque being used for Christian services.
Additional scrutiny of the video reveals that it was previously livestreamed on the JAGAT ‘ARSY YouTube channel during the original event, although it has since been removed. Elements in the shared video align with those seen in the livestream, reinforcing the assertion that the gathering was not related to Christmas celebrations.
As misinformation continues to spread online, the Istiqlal Mosque and its representatives stress the importance of clarifying the truth behind the event, emphasizing the significance of unity and national pride over divisive narratives.
