WELCOME TO – Tabligh Akbar ‘Indonesia Berdoa’ and World Ulema Ijtima 2025 in Kotabaru, Lampung. | doc/Muzzamil
BANDARLAMPUNG, BONGKARPOST.CO.ID — Entering D-1 on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Bongkar Post invites readers to explore the details ahead of the colossal religious event, the Tabligh Akbar “Indonesia Berdoa and World Ulema Ijtima 2025, which will be held at the Al Hijrah Kotabaru Mosque, Jati Agung District, South Lampung Regency, Lampung Province, Friday-Sunday, November 28-30, 2025.
We explored five phases: preparation, security, solidarity, the domino effect, and post-event.
PREPARATION
This phase, according to statements from the Committee’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Firmansyah Yunialfi Alfian on various occasions, as well as the results of field investigations and verification of information, covers all aspects of preparation, from the committee, participants, venues, and schedule fixation to the activity rundown. Even force majeure scenarios have been addressed.
Buya, as Firmansyah is familiarly known, is a businessman, former politician, legislator, and two-term rector of IIB Darmajaya Lampung. In addition to serving as Chairman of Asosiasi Perguruan Tinggi Swasta Indonesia (APTISI) Lampung or the Lampung Association of Indonesian Private Higher Education Institutions, he is also Chairman of Badan Wakaf Indonesia (BWI) Lampung or the Lampung Indonesian Waqf Board, and Chairman of Persatuan Tarbiyah Islamiyah (PERTI) Lampung or the Lampung Islamic Education Association. He is also continuously monitored and confirmed to ensure 100 percent field readiness.
The committee, is not only on standby but also on call. Participants, in addition to at least 250.000 to 350.000 pilgrims, began to crowd the site. These included those from Sabang to Merauke, from Tanah Rencong to Ternate.
For example, the Acehnese cleric, Hadratji Maulana Saad Shab Damat, has also arrived at the location.
No less interesting, there are also “eccentric” congregations. For example, the Subuhan Bikers congregation from Majalaya, West Java. Then, Sakti, a former member of the band Sheila on 7, was also present.
Not to mention, at least 5.000 to 6.000 international pilgrims are expected to attend up to D-1 from 45 countries. Of the original 84 countries, the remainder canceled their attendance due to travel and visa issues.
The largest number of pilgrims currently attending comes from neighboring Malaysia, followed by the United States, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Bangladesh, the Philippines, India, Canada, Morocco, Egypt, Pakistan, France, Sudan, Thailand, Tunisia, Uganda, and others.
The place, as is known, is located in the stalled megaproject area of the prospective location of the capital city of the Lampung Province government center since 2010, with two versions of the planned land area for the development of the Lampung Kotabaru Area: one is 1.308 hectares (according to planning data and the master plan contained in the Decree of the Governor of Lampung G/36/B.XI/HK/2016 of the M. Ridho Ficardo era), another mentions a total of 1.580 hectares (data from the Lampung Provincial Government Goods Inventory Card for 2022).
That’s why the abandoned buildings of the proposed governor’s office and the Lampung Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) are located there. The Al Hijrah Mosque, the main center of activities, will be used for religious scholars from around the world. The proposed governor’s office will accommodate thousands of international guests, and the proposed provincial DPRD office will be for visiting religious scholars from Indonesia.
Hundreds of thousands of other pilgrims will fill the approximately 50-hectare site, mingling under tents for seclusion. Each tent is separated by a partition marked with the name of their region of origin.
With just the two-word question “where from,” reporters meet so many that they tire themselves out. Their answers, some with the distinctive dialect of their native language, come from Langsa, Dumai, Manna, Ciamis, Garut, Tasikmalaya, Tuban, Bojonegoro, Magetan, Mataram, and so on. Impressively, everyone they greet always has a smile on their face.
For your information, this congregation, also known as the Tablighi Jamaat, was born in India, founded by Sheikh Muhammad Ilyas al-Kandahlawi in 1923, and is headquartered in Nizamuddin, New Delhi. Till nowadays, its population is estimated at 80 million in over 150 countries.
Historically, after the death of Sheikh Muhammad Ilyas Al-Kandahlawi (1887–1948), the leadership of the second Amir (Hadratji) was taken over by his son, Sheikh Muhammad Yusuf Al-Kandahlawi (1917–1965). This was followed by the third Amir/Hadratji, Sheikh In’amul Hasan (1917–1965), who formed a shura (council) with 10 members. Half a century later, the seeds of conflict were recorded around August 23, 2015.
The congregation’s mission is to use the mosque as a center for da’wah activities. Activities include “bayan” (explanation), “ta’lim wa ta’alum” (teaching and learning), “jaulah” (going out to preach), “khuruj fi sabilillah” (going out in the path of Allah, the sixth pillar of “ushul al-sittah”), silaturahim (society), and practicing the six qualities of Khulafaur Rasyidin, Prophet’s companions.
If the event is attended by at least 1 million congregants, the 2025 Lampung Ijtima will break the record, equaling previous Ijtima in India, England, and Pakistan.
So what about logistics? The committee has prepared 3.500 toilets with water, and at least 200 public kitchens on standby.
Transportation? Don’t ask, the congregation often acts as both Google Maps and a shared ATM. Pilgrims from across the archipelago depart in groups, some on chartered buses, and some by plane.
For laypeople, this may seem difficult, but for them, God has entrusted their worldly possessions to them.
They are known for their self-reliance in transportation, arriving suddenly, pensive in contemplation, then saying goodbye and sobbing: “Fi ammanillah. Masyaallah.”
The committee’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Firmansyah YA, who is also a leading figure in the Indonesian solidarity movement for Palestine, respectfully invited all Lampung Muslims to join them in attendance.
He said this was “a moment to pray, to ask for blessings together.”
SECURITY
Security was monitored to be quite tight but responsive for such a high-profile event. The Indonesian National Police (Polri), specifically the Lampung Regional Police (Polda), also did not want to be caught off guard.
According to collected data, the Lampung Regional Police deployed at least 1,088 security personnel.
The force comprises 981 personnel from the City Police Resort (Polresta) of Bandarlampung, Police Resort (Polres) of Pesawaran , and the Lampung Regional Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob).
To support the nearest jurisdictional unit within the Lampung Regional Police jurisdiction, the South Lampung Police, with at least 107 core personnel, comprised of the Detection, Preemptive, Preventive, Kamseltibcarlantas (Security, Safety, Order, and Traffic Flow) Task Force, and the Support Task Force, are on standby.
These brown-shirted soldiers are stationed at vital points in the event center, including entrances, evacuation routes, parking areas, and crowd centers. They are also stationed at the main arrival points for out-of-town pilgrims, namely Radin Inten II Airport in Branti Raya, Natar District and Bakauheni Ferry Port in Bakauheni District, South Lampung.
As observed, each soldier also served as a key person at the pilgrims’ technical information center. The personnel kindly and patiently provided even the smallest information requested by pilgrims, especially those from outside Lampung.
To illustrate this level of preparedness from the National Police, reporters illustrated the security preparations the week before by citing the latest pre-conditions of the South Lampung Police.
South Lampung Police Chief, Adjunct Senior Commissioner of Police (AKBP) Toni Kasmiri, led the Tactical Floor Game (TFG) for Security Preparation for the Tabligh Akbar “Indonesia Berdoa” and Ijtima Ulama Dunia (World Ulema Meeting) at the Raden Intan Hall at the local Police Headquarters in Kalianda on Saturday (November 22, 2025).
Police Chief Toni, accompanied by Deputy Police Chief Commissioner (Kompol) Made Silpa Yudiawan, led the presentation on security strategies, procedures, and the division of tasks for all personnel involved.
Present and attentive were the Head of Operations (Kabag Ops) of the South Lampung Police, Commissioner (Kompol) Deprison, and the Head of Planning (Kabag Ren), Commissioner (Kompol) Abkoriyah.
Also present were the Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit (Kasat Reskrim), Assistant Police Commissioner (AKP) Indik Rusmono; the Head of the Traffic Unit (Kasat Lantas), AKP I Made Agus Dwi Dayana; the Head of the Samapta Unit, AKP Agus Heri Thama Linto; the Head of the Community Development Unit (Kasat Binmas), AKP Aprizal; the Head of the Intelligence and Security Unit (Kasat Intelkam), AKP Justin Aprian; and other police officers.
Police Chief Toni Kasmiri stated that securing this large-scale thematic event requires comprehensive preparedness, including anticipating and mapping emergency situations and ensuring the smooth flow of congregation members.
He emphasized several detailed points, from data collection on the number of pilgrims, the readiness of integrated service posts, the involvement of personnel from the local Police and the Lampung Regional Police, and cross-agency coordination.
He also instructed the drafting of official letters to the Health Office, the Fire and Safety Department (Damkarmat), and nearby hospitals, solely to ensure medical preparedness and anticipate fire hazards.
He also requested the preparation of flood evacuation routes and escape routes (main connecting routes for evacuation) to hospitals, the provision of a bomb disposal unit (Jibom), the establishment of a Brimob tactical post on the Purwodadi route (Food Warehouse), and the provision of a safe house data attachment for contingency purposes.
According to the Head of Operations for the South Lampung Police, Commissioner Deprison added that the TFG was not merely a mock-up exercise, but was also crucial as a means of aligning personnel’s perceptions.
“TFG is not just a mock-up exercise, but a way for us to ensure every personnel knows what to do in any scenario. We hope that the entire series of Ijtima Ulama activities will proceed safely and orderly, providing comfort for the congregation who come from various regions and abroad,” he said.
Deprison stated that large-scale security requires synergy between units and cross-sector coordination. “We want to ensure that all potential vulnerabilities are anticipated early. In principle, it’s better to be prepared before an incident occurs than too late. This is our commitment,” he said.
As a result, the Police Chief, AKBP Toni smiled proudly at his command staff in attendance, who expressed their understanding of the directives, security patterns, and command-by-order system he had conveyed.
With these complete preparations, the South Lampung Police are targeting a safe, conducive, and well-managed World Ulama Ijtima 2025 event.
The local police, as a unified force, want to contribute by demonstrating the hospitality and preparedness of the regional infrastructure, and be part of the host’s efforts to provide the best possible experience for all attendees during their stay in South Lampung.
The Lampung Regional Police also demonstrated another display of synergy and support by deploying personnel from the Lampung Mobile Brigade Corps (Satbrimobda) as additional vehicles to transport newly arrived pilgrims at certain locations, such as the Airan Mosque, to facilitate their arrival at the location.
Furthermore, a calm atmosphere radiated from all participants, and the framework of integrated security coordination across units was also evident.
Circulating press releases indicate that in addition to the Lampung Regional Police, the three-dimensional Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in Lampung will also provide support. Other examples include the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) and the Transportation Agency of Lampung Province, Bandarlampung City, and South Lampung Regency.
SOLIDARITY
As a disclaimer, to avoid bias, this reporter will narrow the scope of this solidarity discussion to moral and material support, as well as technical assistance and/or facilitation from various relevant parties.
First, the Lampung Provincial Government. As widely reported, after the committee’s request arrived at his desk, the Governor of Lampung and relevant officials conducted a site inspection of the proposed activity center, decided on, and as has been implemented, repaired access roads, obtained permits, and provided technical support for the field.
As the number one person in the province which is often referred to as a miniature Indonesia (research by Lampung traditional community leader Dr Ike Edwin mentions that at least 32 ethnic groups in the archipelago live in harmony and peace in Bumi Ruwa Jurai), with a population of 9,45 million and the majority of whom are Muslim, Lampung Governor Rahmat Mirzani Djausal also compassioned.
Governor Mirza invited the public to attend.
“God willing, for those who have time, let’s all attend this Tabligh Akbar, listen to the sermon, and strengthen our Islamic brotherhood,” the governor once quoted, hoping that this would serve as a moment for spiritual strengthening for the community and also promote Lampung as a host for this major religious event, fully supported by the regional government.
Second, the Lampung Regional Police. Material support, for example, was shown by Lampung Regional Police Chief Inspector General Helfi Assegaf, through the Director of Community Development at the Regional Police, Senior Commissioner V. Thirdy Hadmiarso, who donated 500 tons of rice and 100 boxes of bottled water as part of the logistical support for the event, which was handed over to the committee this week.
Third, the Toll Road Business Entity (BUJT), PT. Bakauheni–Terbanggi Besar (BTB) Toll Road.
The joint business unit of the state-owned enterprise providing operational services for the Bakauheni-Terbanggi Besar Trans Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS) section (Bakter Toll Road, 140 km), namely PT. Hakaaston (HKA); with PT Rafflesia Investasi Indonesia, materialized its support for the Tabligh Akbar “Indonesia Berdoa” and World Ulama Ijtima events.
This will facilitate free (non-fare) access for all buses operated by the committee responsible for pilgrim transportation, logistics, and event security, passing through all toll gates (GT) within the Bakauheni to Terbanggi Besar toll road section, transporting pilgrims from the Bakauheni Ferry Port area in South Lampung.
The affirmation of support was conveyed by PT BTB Director, I Wayan Mandia, accompanied by Project Manager, Brahmadi Buana, and Public Affairs Manager, M Alkautsar, to the Head of Transportation and Security for the National Committee for the Tabligh Akbar “Indonesia Berdoa” and the World Ulama Ijtima, Iwan Rusmawandi, accompanied by Transportation Executive, Yudi, during an audience at the PT BTB office in the Kotabaru GT area on Saturday (November 22, 2025).
Director Wayan Mandia, during a media briefing on Sunday, stated that this policy is part of the Bakter Toll business unit’s active contribution to the success of the event.
He said that this international-scale event was not only a source of pride for the community, but also a shared responsibility to ensure the smooth running, comfort, and good impression of the guests who would visit Lampung in the near future.
“As part of the strategic infrastructure in Lampung Province, we are obligated to support the local government in ensuring the success of this event. We will provide optimal service so that all participants and pilgrims feel safe and comfortable, especially when traveling along the Bakter Toll Road,” he stated in a briefing.
Wayan added that the Bakter Toll Road management policy demonstrates the concrete contribution of excellent cross-sectoral synergy in Lampung, especially as it is part of the ongoing effort to build Lampung’s positive image and reputation nationally and internationally.
And as the event draws near, support is reportedly pouring in from various groups. For example, an invitation from renowned preacher Ustad Abdul Somad (UAS) has been received.
From South Sulawesi, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) even deployed the Republic of Indonesia Ship (KRI Surabaya) to transport pilgrims from the Indonesian Navy Main Base (Lantamal) in Makassar, three days before the event, on Tuesday (November 25, 2025).
DOMINO EFFECT
The positive multiplier effect of this event, which occurred before and during the event itself, was felt by local residents in several locations near the activity center.
Based on random interviews conducted during the monitoring, a number of food and beverage vendors, grocery store operators, mobile phone and PPOB vendors, Moslems clothing and prayer equipment vendors, footwear stores, pharmacies, perfume kiosks, and souvenir shops within a 2.5-kilometres radius of the Al Hijrah Kotabaru Mosque have, at least according to their own accounts, experienced a positive impact over the past week: a surge in transactions.
Some of them were curious, asking reporters about various national and international figures who would be attending, and even asking about routes outside their own location just to find out. Some even directly notified relatives and fellow vendors along the route the reporter had informed them about.
“So they can stock up, sir,” one of them remarked after a busy phone call to a fellow vendor.
Even then, some asked who the original idea for an event of this magnitude was. Afraid of giving the wrong answer, the reporter deflected the question by illustrating how one should behave, as a host.
The questioner, after hearing this, burst out laughing. “You know how to answer,” he replied, agreeing to the suggestion to simply replenish his stock.
The questioner, after hearing this, laughed heartily. “That guy can answer anything,” he replied, agreeing to the suggestion to simply stock up on his merchandise.
Further information gathered indicates that at least 1.000 MSME’s (UMKM) were involved in selling at the Ijtima event. The National Committee is empowering them to foster a contagious economic impact on the community.
This is the visible. What is invisible, especially, is “ghirah” (spirit).
Ghirah, or the burning passion that burns within every servant of God, for Moslems, is a strong passion for religion, a strong desire to uphold faith and Islam, defend religion from various forms of harassment, misappropriation, or reduction of its meaning, maintain honor, and maintain good morals, preventing oneself and others from bad and despicable deeds, sins, and violations of sharia law, as well as maintaining a good environment and actively implementing “amar ma’ruf nahi munkar” (enjoining good and forbidding evil).
The following, above all, are blessings. Or in other words: grace, blessings, guidance, inayah, gifts, favors, sustenance, success, and means.
Just imagine, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of God’s people, who have never met before, mingling together, sitting in devout meditation, praying for all the blessings worthy of being asked of the Creator. It’s possible.
POST-ACTIVITY
The final point above is intertwined, as stated by several parties, with the overall direct and indirect impacts that will follow, after this activity.
In summary, the line said that this would record and simultaneously boost the positive image of Lampung as a province with a high tradition of silaturahim (friendship among Moslems), as well as a high tradition of local customs, namely Nemuy Nyimah (honoring).
