Viral Carnival with 32 Massive Sound Systems Running Until Dawn in Mojokerto Cost Rp 1.6 Billion

The Medali Spectacular Carnival (MSC) 2026, held in Medali Village, Puri District, Mojokerto Regency, has suddenly become a national talking point. The cultural carnival featuring dozens of powerful “horeg” sound systems went viral on social media after running from the afternoon until near dawn, triggering a wave of online protests.

Behind the festivities involving 32 participating teams showcasing high-powered sound systems, renowned dancers, and cultural processions, a striking fact has emerged. The total funds spent on the event were estimated to have reached Rp 1.6 billion.

The Medali Spectacular Carnival 2026 was held on Saturday (14 February), commencing at 2pm local time in Medali Village, with 32 teams comprising neighbourhood associations, youth organisations, SME operators, and the Medali Village Government. The event’s overrun prompted anger among netizens, particularly as the thundering sound systems continued blaring through to the time of the dawn prayer.

Medali Village Head Miftahuddin confirmed that the event had indeed overrun its planned schedule. He also revealed that the total carnival costs were estimated at Rp 1.6 billion.

“If you average Rp 50 million per participant and multiply that by 32 participants, it comes to Rp 1.6 billion,” Miftahuddin told detikJatim on Monday (16 February 2026).

The police also provided an explanation as to why the event was allowed to continue until dawn. Puri District Police Chief AKP Sutakat said the public gathering permit had in fact only been granted until 11pm.

“Because there were too many participants, it overran. We informed the organisers that their time was up. The organisers said they hadn’t finished yet. In the end, we communicated with the organisers and the local community, and ultimately we allowed it to continue until around 4am,” Sutakat said.