Police Name Four Suspects in Qur'an Memorisation for Alcohol Challenge Case

Police have named four suspects in a case involving an alleged challenge to recite verses from the Qur’an in exchange for alcoholic beverages at a music festival in North Jakarta. The four individuals, identified by their initials RES, AK, I, and M, were named as suspects following an investigation into the incident at The Sounds Project event in Ancol.

Kombes Iman Imanuddin, Director of Criminal Investigation at the Metro Jaya Regional Police, stated that RES was the master of ceremonies who engaged in the interaction at the booth. Suspects I and AK allegedly initiated the challenge, daring visitors to recite Surah Al-Ikhlas and Surah Ad-Dhuha in return for a bottle of alcohol. Suspect M then reportedly came forward and recited Surah Ad-Dhuha through a loudspeaker.

The four suspects are charged under Articles 300 and 301 of Law Number 1 of 2023 on the Criminal Code, as amended by Law Number 1 of 2026. RES and AK were arrested on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, and have been detained for 20 days at the Metro Jaya Regional Police detention centre, while legal proceedings continue for the other two suspects. Police also seized five flash drives containing digital recordings and the clothing worn by RES and AK during the incident.

The case went viral after footage circulated on social media showing the challenge taking place at a booth during the festival on Sunday, 9 August. The event organiser, The Sounds Project, issued a statement expressing anger and disappointment, emphasising that the activity was conducted without their direction, approval, or control. The master of ceremonies, Revnaldo Ega, also issued a public apology, acknowledging negligence in managing the situation. Newport, the alcohol brand involved, apologised to the Muslim community and the Indonesian public, stating that the incident was a spontaneous act by visitors and not a planned promotion, while expressing regret over lapses in field supervision.