False claims regarding a supposed Christmas celebration at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta have sparked controversy on social media. The video, which resurfaced after Christmas Day, shows an event commemorating Indonesia’s independence but has been misrepresented as an example of excessive religious tolerance, according to officials.
The video, lasting nearly four minutes, depicts attendees wearing red and white clothing, singing Indonesia’s national anthem, alongside individuals in costumes resembling Santa Claus. A caption accompanying the video, shared on December 29, 2025, implies that the mosque hosted a Christmas event, stating, “For the first time, Christmas was celebrated at the Istiqlal Mosque.” This narrative has led to backlash, with some commenters expressing outrage and claiming the event reflects a decline in religious values.
Abu Hurairah Abdul Salam, a senior official at the Istiqlal Mosque, has categorically denied the claims, stating, “It is impossible that there was a Christmas celebration at Istiqlal Mosque.” He clarified that the footage is from an Indonesian independence event held on August 31, 2024, and not a Christmas celebration, as alleged in the misleading posts.
The gathering was organized by the Jagat ‘Arsy International Boarding School and included religious sermons, prayers, and a demonstration of national pride through the wearing of red and white, the colors of the Indonesian flag. A statement issued by the school emphasized that the event was meant to honor the country, not to celebrate Christmas.
Religious tolerance remains a significant topic in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, where Christians constitute approximately 11 percent of the population, as highlighted by the Pew Research Center. However, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom reported in September 2025 that while Indonesia’s constitution supports religious freedom, minorities continue to face systemic discrimination.
The misleading video gained traction across various social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, following its Christmas Day circulation. Users reacted strongly, with some expressing fears about divine retribution for perceived transgressions against Islamic values.
It is important to note that similar claims about the mosque hosting a Christian congregation have been previously debunked. In 2024, AFP reported that a similar video was incorrectly associated with preparations for a visit by Pope Francis.
The events portrayed in the viral video have been confirmed through a keyword search on YouTube, revealing that the original event was livestreamed on the JAGAT ‘ARSY YouTube channel but has since been removed. Comparison with archived footage indicates that the elements in the misleading video align with the livestream of the independence celebration.
This incident underscores the challenges of misinformation in today’s digital landscape, particularly concerning sensitive topics like religion, which can provoke strong emotions and societal rifts. As discussions around religious tolerance continue, clarity and accurate representation of events are paramount to foster understanding and respect among diverse communities.
