Earlier this week, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police named four suspects following an alleged blasphemy incident at a liquor booth during The Sounds Project music festival in Ancol, North Jakarta. The controversy erupted after a video surfaced online showing a woman reciting Quranic verses from memory in exchange for alcohol.
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How the Investigation Unfolded at The Sounds Project
The controversy began on Sunday, August 9, 2026, during the popular music festival held in Ancol, North Jakarta. According to Tempo.co, a lawyer from the Muslim Legal Team, Moch Rizki Abdullah, formally reported the incident to the Jakarta Metropolitan Police on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The legal complaint targeted about five parties, including the event organizer, the liquor producer, two masters of ceremony, and the woman captured in the viral footage.
Footage circulated widely across social media platforms, capturing a woman reciting verses from the Quran at a commercial booth sponsored by a liquor brand. Claims quickly spread online that the booth operated a promotional challenge rewarding participants with a bottle of liquor for reciting sacred verses from memory. The Pademangan District chapter of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) filed a parallel report on Monday, August 10, prompting swift action from law enforcement.
North Jakarta Police moved rapidly to secure evidence and question witnesses. Acting North Jakarta Metro Police Chief Kombes Pol Oki Waskito confirmed that investigators had questioned six witnesses and secured authentic material related to the incident. By Wednesday, August 12, authorities had arrested two primary individuals—identified by initials as R, a woman, and E, a man—holding them at the North Jakarta Metro Police headquarters. Shortly after, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police officially named four suspects as the investigation advanced.
Corporate Accountability and Organizer Response
As investigators broadened their scope, festival organizers issued strong rebukes distancing themselves from the booth’s activities. Representatives for The Sounds Project stated unequivocally that the incident occurred entirely outside their direction, approval, and control. They condemned the behavior, maintaining that they never authorized the use of religion as a promotional tool or a challenge mechanic.
Organizers outlined three immediate operational responses to the controversy. First, they reprimanded the sponsor and demanded a direct resolution. Second, they initiated close monitoring to help identify those directly involved so they could assume full legal responsibility. Third, management launched an internal evaluation to ensure tighter oversight of vendor and sponsor activities at future events. They reiterated that respecting the religious beliefs of all attendees remains a core operational value with zero tolerance for violations.
The Legal and Regulatory Framework
Legal representation for the complainants has signaled an uncompromising stance. According to statements given to Tempo.co by Moch Rizki Abdullah, the legal team cited Article 300 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code (KUHP) in their formal report registered under number LP/B/5914/VIII/2026/SPKT/POLDAMETROJAYA. Crucially, the legal team asserted that they would pursue full accountability through the courts, indicating that formal apologies from the parties involved would not preclude legal proceedings.
Jakarta Metropolitan Police spokesman Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto confirmed that Pademangan Police and the North Jakarta Metropolitan Police coordinated closely with event organizers and booth operators throughout the inquiry. Authorities continue to review administrative files and evaluate the legal status of all implicated individuals as the investigation moves forward.
| Date | Event / Milestone | Key Entities Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Aug 9, 2026 | Incident occurs at a liquor sponsor booth during the music festival. | Festival Attendees, Booth Operators, MCs |
| Monday, Aug 10, 2026 | Video goes viral online; Pademangan MUI files a formal police report. | Pademangan District MUI, General Public |
| Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026 | Muslim Legal Team files official report; police question witnesses and MCs. | Moch Rizki Abdullah, Jakarta Metro Police |
| Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 | Police confirm the arrest of two suspects (R and E) for further proceedings. | North Jakarta Police Chief Kombes Pol Oki Waskito |
| Earlier This Week | Jakarta Metropolitan Police formally name four suspects in the case. | Polda Metro Jaya Investigators |
Broader Implications for Event Sponsors in Southeast Asia
How should major festival organizers balance brand activation with local cultural sensitivities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
