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Jakarta – A performance by singers on the stage of an Isra Mikraj commemoration in Banyuwangi, East Java, has sparked debate, prompting a senior lawmaker to call for greater sensitivity around religious events. Deputy head of Commission VIII DPR singgih Januratmoko stated on Monday, January 19, 2025, that dismissing the controversy as a mere “technical misunderstanding” by event organizers would be a mistake.
More than a Misunderstanding? Lawmaker Weighs In on Religious Event Controversy
Table of Contents
The incident raises questions about balancing religious reverence with social considerations in public life.
- The appearance of singers on the Isra Mikraj stage in Banyuwangi has drawn criticism.
- A lawmaker argues the issue goes beyond logistical errors, touching on societal values.
- The incident highlights the need for sensitivity when organizing religious commemorations.
Isra mikraj, a meaningful event in Islam commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey, emphasizes prayer, morality, and devotion, according to Januratmoko. He stressed that the commemoration should serve as a moment for spiritual education, not just a routine observance. “The polemic about the appearance of singers dancing on the Isra Mikraj memorial stage in Banyuwangi should not be seen as a trivial matter,” he told reporters.
every aspect of the Isra Mikraj commemoration, Januratmoko continued, should reflect respect for religious symbols and appropriate etiquette. He cautioned that simply holding the entertainment after the main event doesn’t resolve the underlying issue.”From a religious perspective, space, symbols and context have inseparable meanings,” he explained.
Blurring Sacred and Profane
The lawmaker expressed concern that entertainment inconsistent with Islamic values, when presented on the same stage and within the same setting as a religious event, can blur the lines between the sacred and the secular, causing public unease. “This incident shows the weakness of social sensitivity in reading the reality of Indonesia’s religious and pluralistic society,” he added.
januratmoko also pointed to the pervasive nature of social media,where actions in public spaces are quickly disseminated and amplified. he noted that what might have once been considered “internal entertainment” is now subject to broader scrutiny when recorded and shared online. “I view this incident as a serious warning,” he said. “The committee, religious leaders and the community need to increase religious literacy as well as social sensitivity.”
He urged a collective reflection on the event, emphasizing that organizing religious gatherings carries a moral responsibility beyond mere administrative tasks.”Care in choosing performers, forms of entertainment and managing activities is part of maintaining religious dignity while maintaining social harmony,” he explained.
Religion, Januratmoko concluded, should foster unity and peace, not division. “And a great nation is a nation that is able to place sacred values in their proper place,with full responsibility and wisdom.”
Committee Acknowledges Entertainment
Hadiyanto, chairman of the Parangharjo Village Isra Mikraj committee, confirmed the entertainment took place, stating it occurred after the main event concluded and attendees had departed. “The entertainment that featured singers at the Isra Mikraj event was indeed true. However,the entertainment was held after the event was over and all the invitees and kiai where no longer there,” Hadiyanto said,as reported by detikJatim on Saturday,January 17,2026.
Hadiyanto added that the entertainment was a spontaneous decision by the committee and that they issued an apology via video clarification at the Songgon Police Station on Friday, January 16, evening.
(is/take)