New Chapter in Quran Memorisation Challenge for Alcohol: Two Detained
Jakarta police have detained two of four suspects in a case of alleged criminal acts against religion and belief, following a challenge that offered alcoholic drinks as a reward for reciting verses from the Al-Quran. The incident took place at a booth during The Sounds Project music festival in Ancol, North Jakarta, last weekend. The two suspects, identified as REK, the master of ceremonies, and AK, the individual who created the challenge, were taken into custody on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, and are being held at the Polda Metro Jaya detention centre for 20 days starting Thursday.
Director of General Criminal Investigation at Polda Metro Jaya, Senior Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, stated that legal proceedings for the other two suspects, identified as I, another challenge creator, and M, the person who recited Surah Ad-Dhuha over the loudspeaker, are still ongoing, though they have not yet been detained. 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 concerning Criminal Adjustments.
The incident, which involved the promotion of alcoholic beverages disguised as a Quran memorisation challenge, went viral on social media after being recorded by festival attendees on Sunday, 9 August. In the video, visitors were seen participating in a challenge to recite Surah Ad-Dhuha at a product booth in exchange for a bottle of the promoted alcohol. The Sounds Project organisers issued a statement expressing their anger and disappointment, condemning the behaviour and asserting that the incident occurred entirely outside their direction, approval, or control.
Newport, the alcohol brand involved, also issued a public apology. Newport Director Handoko Sasongko stated that the activity was not a programme, concept, or directive created or planned by the company’s management, but rather a spontaneous action by visitors at the location. He expressed regret over the lapse in on-site supervision that allowed such an act, which contravenes religious values, beliefs, and customs, to occur. The master of ceremonies at the Newport booth, Revnaldo Ega, also issued a public apology via social media, acknowledging his negligence in controlling the situation and vowing to be more vigilant and responsible in the future.