Jakarta Legislator Condemns Qur'an Memorisation Challenge for Alcohol as 'Blasphemy'

Jakarta DPRD member from the Gerindra faction, Ali Lubis, has strongly condemned a challenge to read or memorise the Qur’an linked to the giving of alcoholic drinks as a prize at the Newport booth during The Sounds Project event. Ali stressed that the action was highly insolent.

“This is an insolent action that crosses the line. This is not merely a matter of gimmickry, jest, or a technical error at an event,” Ali said in his statement on Wednesday (12/8/2026).

He urged law enforcement to move quickly and thoroughly investigate this case seriously and comprehensively before the matter spreads further. He feared the issue could cause unrest and a larger polemic in society, particularly among Muslims.

“This action is highly inappropriate and insolent, making the memorisation of Qur’anic verses a promotional act for alcoholic drinks, so that the incident constitutes an act of blasphemy,” he asserted.

Furthermore, Ali also asked law enforcement to immediately summon and examine all parties involved, including the committee, MC, event organiser, the Newport booth, and other parties connected to the incident. If the investigation finds criminal elements, whoever is responsible must be processed legally without discrimination.

He also asked the relevant authorities to act firmly by revoking permits, including production and distribution permits for Newport products. This includes, he continued, permits for the factory carrying out production of the Newport alcoholic beverage brand in accordance with applicable legal provisions.

“Indonesia is a state of law. Do not let any party feel immune to the law merely because they consider such action as part of promotion or entertainment,” he added.

“Law enforcement must act quickly, firmly, professionally and transparently, and coordinate with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). Do not wait for the public to become angry before taking action,” he continued.

He also appealed to the public, especially Muslims, not to be provoked into taking the law into their own hands. “Let us leave this legal process to law enforcement,” he said.

As seen by detikcom, in a circulating video, a moment at an alcoholic beverage booth at a music festival held a challenge to memorise one of the surahs of the Qur’an, Ad-Dhuha, for visitors. In the video, it was stated that visitors who could memorise it would receive a reward suspected to be alcohol.

Still in the video, a visitor is seen memorising the verses of Ad-Dhuha one by one. There were cheers and applause when the visitor finished memorising.

The organiser, The Sounds Project, has spoken out about the matter. They also condemned the incident.

“We as the event organiser are also angry, disappointed, and condemn this behaviour. We have never and will never justify behaviour that makes religion a subject of challenge or product promotion in any form,” The Sounds Project said via its official Instagram account.

“We have reprimanded the relevant sponsor and asked them to resolve this case thoroughly,” it continued.

Meanwhile, Newport Director Handoko Sasongko also apologised for the incident. He asserted that the activity was not a programme or promotional concept.

“In connection with the circulation of the video at the Newport booth at The Sounds Project music festival on Sunday (9/8), Newport apologises to all Muslims, religious leaders, and the entire Indonesian public for the incident that caused discomfort, hurt feelings, and commotion,” Handoko said in his statement on Tuesday (11/8).

“Newport needs to clarify that the activity was not a programme, promotional concept, challenge, or directive made or planned by Newport. The activity arose spontaneously from visitors at the location,” he added.

Furthermore, Handoko also acknowledged weaknesses in on-site supervision. The company regretted that the situation was not handled properly when the incident occurred.

“Newport deeply regrets that the situation was not handled properly at the time of the incident. We regret the weakness in supervision of visitors who could take over the microphone from the MC on site, so that actions inconsistent with the religious values, beliefs, culture and customs upheld by society could occur,” he said.