Revealed: Quran Memorisation Challenge for Alcohol Was a Visitor's Initiative

Police are still investigating the alleged blasphemy case disguised as a Qur’an memorisation challenge during The Sounds Project music concert in Ancol, North Jakarta. Police have also obtained the identity of the party who made the challenge.

“We have also identified the party who carried out the challenge,” said Director of General Criminal Investigation of Polda Metro Jaya, Senior Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, to journalists on Wednesday (12/8/2026).

Based on the investigation results, the party suspected of delivering the challenge was a festival visitor. The visitor allegedly took the microphone and spontaneously issued a challenge to other visitors.

Investigators have identified the party. However, police have not detailed their identity because the investigation is still ongoing.

“Based on information obtained from our investigation, the person concerned is suspected to be a visitor who came. The visitor then took the microphone and spontaneously carried out the challenge. However, the legal aspects will still be examined through questioning of the person concerned,” he explained.

In addition, investigators have requested statements from the management, event organiser, the beverage brand owner, and a number of visitors who witnessed the incident. Investigators have also checked the event location at Ecopark, Ancol.

“Last night we conducted an examination and took statements from the organiser and the brand owner. We have also identified the party who carried out the challenge,” he said.

Iman stressed that the National Police is being proactive in handling the matter. The investigation was conducted based on public reports and information circulating in the public sphere.

Iman said the case could potentially be charged under Article 300 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code. However, the application of the article will be determined based on the examination of the person concerned, witness statements, and evidence obtained by investigators.

“With or without pressure, we have been proactive in conducting the investigation. If the examination reports of witnesses and investigation findings reveal elements of a criminal offence, we will of course carry out firm law enforcement,” said Iman.

Organiser’s Response

The organiser, The Sounds Project, has spoken out regarding the matter. They also condemned the incident.

“We as the event organiser are also angry, disappointed, and condemn the behaviour. We have never, and will never, condone behaviour that uses religion as material for a challenge or product promotion in any form,” The Sounds Project stated via its official Instagram account.

The organiser said 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 thoroughly,” it said.

The organiser will also oversee the case and identify the parties directly involved in the incident so that they can be held accountable. They will also conduct an evaluation so that similar incidents do not happen again.

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 public for the incident that caused discomfort, hurt feelings, and commotion,” Handoko said in his statement on Tuesday (11/8).

“Newport needs to clarify that the activity was not a programme, promotional concept, challenge, or directive made or planned by Newport. The activity emerged spontaneously from a visitor at the location,” he added.

Furthermore, Handoko also acknowledged weaknesses in on-site supervision. The company regrets that the situation was not handled properly when the incident occurred.

“Newport deeply regrets that the situation was not handled properly at the time of the incident. We regret the weakness in supervision of visitors who could take over the microphone from the MC on site, so that actions inconsistent with the religious values, beliefs, culture, and customs upheld by society could occur,” he said.

Newport stressed that it respects religious values and sensitivities that exist within Indonesian society. Handoko emphasised that respect for these values is important in every activity and interaction between Newport and the public.