Full Rationale Behind East Java MUI Fatwa Prohibiting 'Sound Horeg'

Recently, ‘sound horegram’ (high-intensity sound systems) has come under scrutiny after carnivals using high-intensity loudspeakers were reported to have caused fatalities in East Java. Within approximately one month, three individuals were reported dead in incidents related to ‘sound horeg’ activities.

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of East Java assesses that this phenomenon demonstrates that the issue of ‘sound horeg’ is no longer merely a matter of entertainment, but also concerns health, safety, public order, and its impact on society.

This issue had previously drawn the attention of the Fatwa Commission of the MUI East Java Province through Fatwa Number 1 of 2025 regarding the Use of Sound Horeg, which was established in Surabaya on 12 July 2025.

The fatwa does not inherently forbid loudspeaker technology, but rather provides a legal ruling based on the method of use, sound intensity, the resulting impact, and the accompanying activities, according to the official website of MUI East Java, Friday (11/9/2026).

Background

The MUI East Java fatwa regarding the Use of Sound Horeg stems from the phenomenon of these audio devices expanding in several regions and causing controversy within the community. MUI East Java received a request for a fatwa from the public on 3 July 2025.

At the same time, a petition against ‘sound horeg’ was signed by 828 people, and the differing views regarding this phenomenon were deemed to have the potential to trigger horizontal conflict.

Referring to the fatwa, ‘sound horeg’ is defined as an audio system with high volume potential that generally emphasises low frequencies or bass. The term ‘horeg’ originates from the Javanese language, meaning to vibrate or move, describing the character of the sound that can cause strong vibrations.