Three Dead in East Java Throughout August Allegedly Due to 'Sound Horeg' Carnivals
A series of ‘sound horeng’ carnivals and parades in East Java allegedly caused three deaths throughout August 2026 in the province. The fatalities included crew members, carnival participants, and local residents who happened to be at the scene.
The most recent incident occurred in Jombang Regency, where a victim was struck by a collapsing canopy and wall, allegedly due to the vibrations caused by a passing ‘sound horeg’ convoy. The victim, Slamet Timbang (57), a farmer, was waiting for his wife at a pharmacy when the structure collapsed. He sustained severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Local police are currently investigating whether the vibrations triggered the structural failure.
Other fatalities occurred in Jember and Banyuwangi. In Jember, SN (29), a ‘sound horeg’ crew member, died after hitting his head on a village gateway. He was riding on a truck transporting sound equipment that exceeded the height limit of the gateway. In Banyuwangi, Bonari (44) died during a parade celebrating Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day. Following the consumption of local spirits, the victim reportedly collapsed and suffered a suspected heart attack during the parade.
In response to these deaths, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of East Java has urged the police to take firm action against the organisation of these carnivals. KH Ma’ruf Khozin, Chairman of the MUI East Java Fatwa Commission, noted that while previous fatwas addressed property damage, the situation has now escalated to loss of life. He emphasised that while the MUI provides religious guidance, the responsibility for field enforcement lies with the police.
Prior to the August festivities, the East Java Provincial Government had already tightened regulations regarding ‘sound horeg’ through a Joint Circular Letter (SE) involving the Governor, the Regional Police Chief, and the Commander of the V/Brawijaya Military District. These regulations set strict decibel limits: a maximum of 120 decibels for stationary events and 80 decibels for mobile parades. The regulations also prohibit these convoys from passing near healthcare facilities, educational areas, and places of worship. Authorities have prepared sanctions for violations, ranging from the revocation of business permits to criminal prosecution.