DPR: Public Open to Creativity, but Religion Must Not Be Mocked

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Dini Rahmania has said that the public is very open to the creativity of the younger generation, such as music festivals as entertainment, but that such creativity must not mock religion in order to promote a product.

She assessed that the incident involving the recitation of holy Quranic verses as a requirement to obtain the alcoholic beverage brand “Newport” at a music festival in Jakarta was neither funny nor creative.

“What was shown was Quranic recitation in exchange for alcoholic drinks. This is highly inappropriate and hurts the feelings of Muslims,” Dini said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

According to her, there are boundaries that must be respected, and the sanctity of religion must not be turned into a marketing gimmick. She strongly condemned the incident, a video recording of which has circulated on social media.

She said that the apology is certainly appreciated, but a serious evaluation must also be carried out. According to her, the festival organiser and all brands involved must have a monitoring mechanism for promotional activities within the event.

“Do not let it be that only after something goes viral and the public is angry do they realise that something was wrong,” she said.

Previously, a video recording circulated on social media showing a Newport alcoholic beverage stand with the voice of someone believed to be reciting holy Quranic verses through a loudspeaker. This was allegedly done as a promotion for the beverage product at a music festival held in Jakarta some time ago.

The host at the stand and the organiser of the music festival have since apologised and committed to evaluating the incident.