Four Named as Suspects in 'Quran Memorisation for Alcohol' Case
Polda Metro Jaya has named four individuals as suspects in a case involving a challenge to recite the Quran in exchange for alcoholic beverages at The Sounds Project music festival in Ancol, North Jakarta. The suspects had different roles in the incident. “Based on the series of investigations and the evidence obtained, investigators have named four people as suspects, with the initials RES, AK, I, and M,” said Polda Metro Jaya’s Director of General Criminal Investigation, Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, to reporters on Thursday (13/8/2026). Iman stated that two of the four suspects have been arrested and detained. Police have received five public reports regarding the case.
Iman detailed that suspect RES acted as the master of ceremonies (MC) who allegedly interacted in front of the booth. Suspect M then appeared and recited Surah Ad-Dhuha through a loudspeaker. Suspects I and AK allegedly challenged visitors to recite Surah Al-Ikhlas and Ad-Dhuha in exchange for a bottle of alcoholic beverage. During the investigation, police examined five witnesses, including the area management, event organisers, and individuals present at the location. Police also seized five flash disks containing digital recordings of the incident. “RES and AK were arrested on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, after the case was transferred from the North Jakarta Metro Police. They have been detained for 20 days at the Polda Metro Jaya detention centre starting today. Meanwhile, legal proceedings against the other two suspects continue according to procedure,” Iman explained. The suspects are charged under Article 300 and/or Article 301 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code, as amended by Law Number 1 of 2026 on Penal Adjustments.
Polda Metro Jaya’s Head of Public Relations, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, urged the public to remain calm. He stressed that the police are handling the investigation professionally, objectively, and based on evidence. “We urge the public not to re-circulate the content with provocative narratives or take actions outside legal procedures. Trust the handling of this case to the police and let us together maintain harmony, mutual respect, and a safe and conducive security and public order situation,” said Commissioner Budi.
Event Organiser’s Response
The event organiser, The Sounds Project, has spoken out regarding the matter, condemning the incident. “As the event organiser, we are also angry, disappointed, and condemn this behaviour. We have never and will never condone behaviour that uses religion as a challenge or product promotion in any form,” The Sounds Project stated via its official Instagram account. The organiser claimed the incident was not in accordance with their direction or approval. They have reprimanded the sponsor involved and requested that the case be resolved thoroughly. “We have reprimanded the sponsor concerned and asked them to resolve this case completely,” the statement said. The organiser also pledged to oversee the case and identify the parties directly involved in the incident so they can be held accountable, as well as conduct an evaluation to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Newport’s Response
Meanwhile, Newport Director Handoko Sasongko also issued an apology for the incident. He stressed that the activity was not a programme or promotional concept. “In connection with the circulation of a video at the Newport booth during The Sounds Project music festival on Sunday (9/8), Newport would like to apologise to all Muslims, religious leaders, and the entire Indonesian public for the discomfort, hurt, and uproar caused by the incident,” Handoko said in a statement on Tuesday (11/8). “Newport needs to clarify that the activity was not a programme, promotional concept, challenge, or directive created or planned by Newport. The activity arose spontaneously from visitors at the location,” he added. Handoko further acknowledged a weakness in on-site supervision. The company regrets that the situation was not handled properly when the incident occurred. “Newport deeply regrets that the situation was not handled as it should have been at the time of the incident. We regret the weakness in supervision that allowed visitors to take over the microphone from the MC, leading to actions that are inconsistent with the religious values, beliefs, culture, and customs upheld by society,” he said. Newport affirmed that it respects religious values and the sensitivities that exist within Indonesian society. Handoko emphasised that respecting these values is crucial in all of Newport’s activities and interactions with the public.