Two Suspects in Qur'an Memorisation-for-Alcohol Challenge Case Detained in Prison Garb

Police have arrested two individuals in connection with a challenge involving Qur’an memorisation at The Sounds Project music festival in Ancol, North Jakarta. The two suspects, a woman identified by the initial R and a man identified by the initial E, were seen being escorted in prison uniforms from the investigator’s room to the detention centre on Thursday (13/8/2026). They remained silent and kept their heads bowed as they were led away.

Plh North Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Senior Commissioner Oki Waskito, confirmed the suspects had been secured. The case has since been transferred to the Jakarta Metropolitan Police for further investigation.

The event organiser, The Sounds Project, issued a statement condemning the incident, expressing anger and disappointment. They stressed that the act was neither directed nor approved by them and that they had reprimanded the relevant sponsor, demanding the matter be resolved thoroughly. The organiser also committed to identifying those directly involved and conducting an evaluation to prevent a recurrence.

Handoko Sasongko, a director at Newport, the sponsor involved, also issued a public apology to the Muslim community and the Indonesian public. He clarified that the activity was not part of any official programme or promotional concept, but rather a spontaneous act by visitors. He acknowledged a failure in field supervision, expressing regret that the situation was not properly managed at the time, and reaffirmed the company’s respect for religious values and cultural sensitivities in Indonesia.