Three Deaths in August Linked to Sound Horeg, East Java Deputy Governor Speaks Out
East Java Deputy Governor Emil Dardak has spoken out about the widespread use of sound horeg, which is suspected to have caused three deaths in East Java during August 2026. Emil asserted that regulations restricting sound horeg already exist, but enforcement in the field remains weak.
The restrictions are set out in a Joint Circular (SE) issued by the Governor of East Java, the East Java Chief of Police and the Commander of the V/Brawijaya Regional Military Command Numbers 300.1/6902/209.5/2025, SE/1/VIII/2025 and SE/10/VIII/2025 concerning the Use of Sound Systems/Loudspeakers in the East Java Region.
Emil said the circular regulates noise or decibel limits for the use of sound systems at various community events. According to him, if the rules were followed with discipline, the incidents occurring on the roads could have been prevented.
“The circular already contains provisions on restrictions, including limits on noise levels or decibels. If the rules were properly observed, the situation we are currently seeing on the roads would not have happened,” Emil said in Surabaya on Tuesday (8/9).
He judged that the repeated incidents show the circular is still being violated. Emil said enforcing the rules is a shared task across multiple agencies.
“This means there are indeed violations of the rules. Therefore, our shared task, across agencies, is how to uphold the authority of this circular so that it is not seen as a paper tiger,” he said.
Emil admitted he is investigating information suggesting the joint circular is considered unenforceable in the field. He stressed that such a situation must not be allowed to continue.
“I am also verifying information that the circular is considered unenforceable. That must not happen. The decibel limits must be complied with,” he said.
To strengthen oversight, Emil said he has proposed to the Governor of East Java that the Satpol PP (municipal police) be involved in enforcing the circular banning sound horeg.
“That is why I have proposed to the Governor that Satpol PP also help to enforce the authority of this circular,” he said.
Emil explained that Satpol PP’s mandate covers only the enforcement of regional regulations, whilst criminal matters fall entirely within the police’s jurisdiction.
“Regarding authority, Satpol PP fundamentally has the task of enforcing regional regulations. Criminal matters are certainly not Satpol PP’s domain,” he said.
“Therefore, Satpol PP must assess how far it can act in a complementary capacity without exceeding its authority. As for criminal matters, we certainly trust the police will take action in accordance with their authority,” Emil added.
Furthermore, Emil explained that the circular was carefully drafted and signed directly by the Governor, the Regional Military Commander and the Chief of Police, complete with legal consequences for violators.
“This circular was drafted with care. The regulatory basis exists and was signed directly by the Governor, the Pangdam and the Kapolda. It also contains legal consequences or sanctions,” he said.
Nevertheless, Emil asked the public to distinguish between two separate issues: violations of the circular and the cases involving loss of life. He stressed that any legal violation causing death must be dealt with firmly.
“However, the two issues must be separated. First, the matter of the circular not being obeyed. Second, the matter of victims who have died,” he said.
“If there is a legal violation, especially one that causes loss of life, it must certainly be prosecuted. That must be noted,” Emil asserted.
He cautioned against misunderstanding the issue, stressing that enforcement must continue whenever a legal violation results in fatalities.
“Let us not be mistaken in labelling or understanding this problem. If there is a legal violation that causes loss of life, then action must be taken,” he concluded.