Police Identify Individual Behind Quran Recitation Challenge for Alcohol at Jakarta Music Festival

The Metro Jaya Regional Police have launched an investigation into an alleged criminal offence related to a challenge to recite Surah Ad-Dhuha in exchange for alcoholic beverages at The Sounds Project music festival in the Ancol area of North Jakarta on Sunday, 9 August 2026. Police have reportedly examined several parties connected to the incident.

Director of General Criminal Investigation at Metro Jaya Police, Senior Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, stated that investigators have taken statements from the management, the event organiser, the beverage brand owner, and several visitors who witnessed the incident. Furthermore, police have also identified the individual who issued the challenge.

‘Last night we conducted examinations and took statements from the organiser and the brand owner. We have also identified the party who carried out the challenge,’ he said in a statement on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.

Based on preliminary investigation results, the party suspected of issuing the challenge was a festival visitor. The visitor allegedly took the microphone and spontaneously created the challenge for other attendees.

‘The visitor then took the microphone and spontaneously conducted the challenge. However, the legal aspects will still be explored through an examination of the person concerned,’ he said.

Iman added that investigators have identified the individual and will secure them for examination purposes. However, police have not yet disclosed their identity as the investigation is still ongoing.