Police Target Other Suspects in Qur'an Memorisation Challenge for Alcohol Case

Police are continuing to investigate a case involving a challenge to memorise the Qur’an in exchange for alcohol at The Sounds Project music festival in Ancol, North Jakarta. Authorities are now targeting other parties involved in the incident. “It is not impossible that this will spread to other parties,” said North Jakarta Metro Police acting chief Kombes Oki Waskito to reporters on Wednesday (12/8/2026). Police have already arrested a woman with the initials R and a man with the initials E. A case conference will be held to determine their fate. “The plan is to hold it tonight, at the latest tomorrow because there is a 24-hour window from this morning to decide whether to upgrade the process to an investigation,” he said. Oki has not yet detailed the roles of the two individuals. To date, six people have been questioned. “In addition to examining witnesses, investigators have also seized authentic electronic evidence. We have taken two items of electronic evidence that point towards proving religious blasphemy,” he said.

Organiser’s Response

The event organiser, The Sounds Project, has spoken out regarding the matter. They also condemned the incident. “We as the event organiser are angry, disappointed, and condemn this behaviour. We have never and will never condone behaviour that makes religion the subject of a challenge or product promotion in any form,” The Sounds Project said via its official Instagram account. The organiser stated the incident was not in accordance with The Sounds Project’s direction or approval. The organiser has now reprimanded the sponsor and asked them to resolve the case thoroughly. “We have reprimanded the relevant sponsor and asked them to resolve this case completely,” it said. The organiser will also oversee the case and identify the parties directly involved in the incident so they can be held accountable. An evaluation will also be conducted to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

Newport’s Response

Meanwhile, Newport Director Handoko Sasongko also apologised for the incident. He stressed that the activity was not a programme or promotional concept. “In connection with the circulation of a 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 community for the incident that caused discomfort, hurt feelings, and commotion,” Handoko said in a statement on Tuesday (11/8). “Newport needs to clarify that the activity was not a programme, promotional concept, challenge, or directive created or planned by Newport. The activity emerged spontaneously from visitors at the location,” he added. Furthermore, Handoko acknowledged weaknesses in on-site supervision. The company regrets that the situation was not handled properly when the incident took place. “Newport deeply regrets that the situation was not handled as it should have been at the time of the incident. We regret the weakness in supervising visitors who could take over the microphone from the MC in the field, so that actions inconsistent with the religious values, beliefs, culture, and customs upheld by the community could occur,” he said. Newport stressed that it respects religious values and sensitivities within Indonesian society. Handoko emphasised that respect for these values is important in all of Newport’s activities and interactions with the public.