Fahira Idris Condemns Qur'an Memorisation Challenge with Alcohol Prize, Demands Thorough Investigation

Member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) for Jakarta, Fahira Idris, has strongly condemned an incident involving a challenge to read or memorise Surah Ad-Dhuha with alcoholic beverages as a prize, which occurred during The Sounds Project music festival in Ancol, North Jakarta. She stated that the incident was outrageous and should not be resolved merely with an apology.

‘Making the memorisation of Surah Ad-Dhuha a challenge with alcohol as a prize has crossed the line. I strongly condemn it. We entrust the law enforcement process to the police and will oversee it until the court proceedings are complete,’ Fahira Idris said in a written statement on Thursday (13/8/2026).

Fahira Idris appreciated the swift action of the police, who have launched an investigation and questioned several parties. In the latest development, the North Jakarta Metro Police have detained two individuals in connection with the case. The police are still investigating their roles and have not ruled out the possibility of other parties being involved.

The Jakarta senator assessed that the legal process must be able to reconstruct the entire sequence of events. The investigation should not only identify who first issued the challenge but also delve into who played a role, facilitated the act, provided the prize, and allowed the action to take place.

Fahira Idris also supports the police’s move to explore the application of criminal provisions related to religion and belief. The police have stated that Article 300 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code is one of the provisions that could potentially be applied.

Fahira Idris expressed confidence that the police are working professionally, objectively, and based on evidence. She also urged the public to remain calm and refrain from carrying out acts of persecution or vigilante justice. According to her, the anger and disappointment of the Muslim community must be channelled through legal means.

Fahira Idris also reminded that, in addition to investigating the alleged criminal offence against religion and belief, authorities need to scrutinise compliance with alcohol regulations during the event. The Minister of Trade Regulation Number 33 of 2025 sets standards for Direct Sellers of Alcoholic Beverages, including licensing obligations and the requirement to serve only consumers aged 21 years and above.

‘Therefore, it is necessary to trace who factually acted as the seller or provider of alcohol at the booth, the legality of their operation, and whether the age verification mechanism was actually implemented. The festival organiser, brand owner, booth vendor or operator, and other parties according to their roles must be held accountable. Ideally, public events that involve the promotion of alcoholic beverages should not be granted permits,’ she explained.

‘We will jointly oversee the development of this case. All facts must be revealed, all relevant parties examined, and anyone proven to have violated the law must be given firm legal sanctions. I also hope this case awakens our collective conscience that it is time for this nation to have a law regulating the production, distribution, sale, and consumption of alcohol,’ concluded Fahira Idris.