Yusril: Alcohol Promotion Using Quran Recitation Challenge Can Be Legally Processed

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra has asserted that promotional content for alcoholic beverages linked to a Quran memorisation challenge can be processed legally. Yusril referred to the blasphemy provisions now regulated in the National Criminal Code (KUHP).

“I hope the police will carefully examine the intent of Articles 300 and 301 of the new Criminal Code to find a solution in resolving this legal issue so that it can be enforced fairly,” Yusril said when contacted in Jakarta on Thursday (13/8).

Yusril explained that although the promotional content cannot be directly categorised as blasphemy or incitement, the action was deemed inappropriate and offensive to the feelings of Muslims. This has the potential to trigger public anger if not handled properly.

Following a report from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Yusril asked the police to interpret the norms in Articles 300 and 301 of the National Criminal Code fairly. Given that the regulation does not cover all aspects of blasphemy in detail, careful application is required.

Yusril suggested that the police involve experts to clarify the matter. He stressed that the purpose of the investigation is not merely to punish, but to restore order within society.

Yusril stated that a resolution through restorative justice is possible if the content creators acted unintentionally and are willing to apologise, in order to accommodate the complainant’s dissatisfaction.

He warned the police not to ignore the issue. “If it is left alone, anger will arise, then demonstrations will follow, and then disturbances to public order will occur, which we hope will not happen in August as we celebrate Independence Day,” he added.

The controversy began with a viral video on social media platform X via the account @Jakartatalk. The video showed an alcoholic beverage brand at The Sound Project music festival holding a challenge for visitors to recite Quranic verses in exchange for alcohol as a reward.

The event organisers have issued a formal apology and claimed that the challenge occurred outside the direction or approval of management. They asserted that they do not tolerate any form of blasphemy or actions that offend SARA (ethnicity, religion, race and inter-group relations) within their event area.