Yusril Warns Police Against Ignoring Quran Challenge for Alcohol: 'Don't Let It Stir Public Anger'

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has spoken out regarding a challenge to memorise Surah Ad-Duha in exchange for alcoholic beverages at The Sounds Project music festival in Ecopark, Ancol, North Jakarta. He stated that the challenge could be processed legally, referencing the blasphemy provisions now regulated under Articles 300 and 301 of the National Criminal Code (KUHP).

‘I hope the police will carefully examine the intent of Articles 300 and 301 of the new KUHP to find a solution in resolving this legal issue so that justice can be upheld fairly,’ Yusril said on Thursday, 13 August 2026. He noted that the viral promotional content for alcohol could not be directly categorised as blasphemy or incitement to defame a particular religion.

Nevertheless, he assessed the act as inappropriate, offensive, and capable of provoking anger among Muslims. Following a report by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Yusril expressed hope that the police would interpret the norms within the KUHP accurately and fairly, as Articles 300 and 301 do not fully encompass the regulations on blasphemy.

He hopes a solution can be found so that if the content creators acted unintentionally, they can apologise, and the reporting community can have their grievances addressed. ‘The hope is that this can be resolved properly, both from an ethical standpoint and according to the laws applicable in our country,’ he said.

Yusril stated that the police can subsequently conduct an investigation and summon experts to clarify the matter, ensuring the legal norms in Articles 300 and 301 of the KUHP are applied justly, appropriately, and with dignity within society. He stressed that the investigation is not aimed at punishing someone, but rather at restoring the situation to its original state. Therefore, if the matter is resolved through restorative justice, it is valid, but the most important thing is that the police do not ignore the issue.