Quran Memorisation Challenge for Alcohol Case Transferred to Jakarta Metro Police

The case of a challenge involving memorising Quranic verses with a prize of alcoholic beverages at a music festival has been transferred to the Jakarta Metro Police (Polda Metro Jaya). The case was previously handled by the North Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polres Metro Jakarta Utara).

“The legal process is ongoing and the case has been transferred to Polda Metro Jaya as of today,” said North Jakarta Police Public Relations Head, Iptu Maryati Jonggi, on Thursday (13/8/2026). She urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent vigilante actions while the legal process is underway.

The incident came to light after a video circulated on social media showing a number of people visiting the Ancol venue, which was hosting The Sounds Project music festival. The case gained traction after the video of the Quran memorisation challenge went viral.

Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the case: a woman with the initials R and a man with the initials E. Police are continuing their investigation and have not ruled out the possibility of more suspects being named.

In response, the organiser of The Sounds Project expressed its anger and disappointment, stating it had never authorised any activity involving religion as a challenge or product promotion. The organiser confirmed it had reprimanded the involved sponsor and demanded the matter be resolved thoroughly.

Meanwhile, Newport’s Director, Handoko Sasongko, also issued an apology, clarifying that the activity was a spontaneous act by visitors and was not part of any programme, promotional concept, or directive created or planned by the company.