Ramadan 'Sahur on the Road' Event in Jombang Sparks Controversy

A ‘Sahur on the Road’ (SOTR) event in Jombang, East Java, has sparked controversy. The event was accompanied by loud music and provocative dancing.

As reported by detikJatim, the incident occurred on the connecting road between Jatibanjar Village, Ploso District, and Sumbergondang Village, Kabuh District. A widely circulated video on TikTok shows a procession of motorcycles, loud music, and dancers in revealing clothing, which many considered inappropriate during Ramadan.

“Why are people commenting ‘dense, dense’? It’s just dancing. Be more respectful,” wrote user Ajisakajo.

In one of the viral posts, a dancer in tight clothing is seen dancing in front of the sound system while occasionally receiving tips from the audience, which many netizens have criticised as inappropriate during the fasting month.

The Secretary of Jatibanjar Village, Hengki, stated that the SOTR event, which has drawn criticism, took place on the road connecting Jatibanjar Village and Sumbergondang Village on Sunday (22/2) morning. He emphasised that the event was not an official agenda of the local village government.

“Such provocative dancing should not be allowed, especially during Ramadan. It’s inappropriate,” said Hengki on Tuesday (24/2/2026).

The owner of the sound system, Aprelia Production, Aprelia, explained that the SOTR event was not organised by any particular party. She stated that more than 10 sound systems enlivened the ‘Sahur on the Road’ event organised by the sound community in Jombang.

“No one hired us. The sound system owners in Jombang often organise ‘Sahur on the Road’ events,” explained Aprelia.

The police stated that the SOTR event did not have permission from either the police or the village government, and authorities will take steps to prevent similar incidents from happening again during Ramadan.

“Without permission, we will not allow it,” said the Head of Ploso Police, Kompol Achmad Chairuddin.