Tito Prepares Regulations on Sound Horeg

Interior Minister Tito Karnavian is studying the formulation of regulations concerning the use of sound horeg together with a number of relevant agencies, including the National Police, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. He explained that the government would examine the permitted noise level, in decibels, for the use of loudspeakers.

“What the limits should be, for instance, the permissible decibel level. If there is a certain decibel level that can harm health, then we will prohibit it,” said Tito when met at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (15/9).

Tito said such a prohibition could be imposed through legislation or subordinate regulations. He also opened the possibility of issuing a ministerial-level regulation if no specific rules yet govern the matter.

“I will study which rules are specific. As I see it, there is not yet anything that specifically regulates decibel levels that can harm health, especially given there have already been victims,” he said.

A regulation banning sound horeg had previously been urged by DPR Commission II member Eka Widodo. He pressed the government to issue a national ban following the deaths of three residents in East Java due to the high-powered sound activity.

“I urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to issue instructions to regional governments to issue a ban on sound horeg activities. This ban must apply nationally,” he said in a statement received in Jakarta on Friday (4/9).

The legislator, who covers regional autonomy, said the ministry needed to issue a nationally applicable ban on sound horeg activities so that regional governments would have uniform guidelines in protecting public security, order and safety.

He considered the move did not mean the government was against public entertainment. However, every form of entertainment should be carried out while respecting everyone’s rights and without causing disturbance, losses or threats to safety.

“Any entertainment is essentially permissible, as long as it does not disturb or harm the public. Sound horeg has clearly caused disturbance and harm to the community. Therefore, activities like this must be banned,” he said.