MC and Challenge Creator in 'Quran Recitation for Alcohol' Case Named Suspects, Detained

The Metro Jaya Regional Police have named four individuals as suspects in connection with a challenge involving the recitation of the Quran during The Sounds Project music festival in Ancol, North Jakarta. Two of the suspects, the master of ceremonies (MC) and the creator of the challenge, have been detained. “RES and AK were arrested on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, after the case was transferred from the North Jakarta Metro Police. Both have been detained for 20 days at the Metro Jaya Police detention centre starting today,” said Metro Jaya Police Director of General Criminal Investigation, Senior Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, to reporters on Thursday (13/7/2026). Iman detailed that suspect RES, acting as the MC, allegedly interacted in front of the booth. Suspect M then appeared and recited Surah Ad-Dhuha through a loudspeaker. Suspects I and AK are alleged to have offered visitors a bottle of alcoholic beverage in exchange for reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas and Ad-Dhuha. “Meanwhile, legal proceedings against the other two suspects are ongoing according to procedure,” he stated. Police have examined five witnesses, including the area management, event organisers, and individuals present at the location. Five flash drives containing digital recordings of the incident were seized as evidence. 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. The event organiser, The Sounds Project, issued a statement condemning the incident. “We as the event organiser are also angry, disappointed, and condemn this behaviour. We have never and will never condone actions that use religion as material for challenges or product promotion in any form,” the organiser stated via its official Instagram account. The organiser claimed the incident was not in accordance with their direction or approval and confirmed they have reprimanded the sponsor, demanding the case be resolved thoroughly. Newport Director Handoko Sasongko also apologised for the incident, clarifying that the activity was not a planned programme or promotional concept. “Newport would like to clarify that this activity was not a programme, promotional concept, challenge, or directive created or planned by Newport. This activity arose spontaneously from visitors at the location,” Handoko stated. He acknowledged a weakness in field supervision and regretted that the situation was not handled properly when it occurred. Newport emphasised its respect for religious values and the sensitivities of Indonesian society.