On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police formally summoned the event organizer and master of ceremonies behind a controversial music festival stunt in Ancol, North Jakarta, where concertgoers were allegedly offered alcoholic beverages in exchange for reciting Islamic scripture. The ongoing investigation centers on potential religious defamation following a viral social media video that ignited swift public outrage across Indonesia.
The Viral Stunt and Police Investigation
The controversy exploded online after footage captured a commercial booth at a major music festival hosting an impromptu “challenge” featuring Surah Ad-Dhuha. According to reporting by Memoindonesia.co.id, visitors who successfully recited verses of the Quran from memory were rewarded with prizes allegedly consisting of alcoholic drinks. The video quickly drew widespread condemnation for using sacred religious texts to promote commercial beverages.
Jakarta Metropolitan Police Spokesman Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto confirmed that investigators scheduled formal clarifications for both the event organizer and the event’s MC. “Today, Tuesday, August 11, 2026, investigators scheduled a clarification of the EO and the event’s MC,” Budi Hermanto told reporters. Authorities are also coordinating directly with the festival’s main management, identified in local reports as The Sounds Project, alongside the specific booth owners responsible for the activation.
Institutional Backlash and Condemnation
The promotional stunt drew immediate, severe rebukes from religious authorities and lawmakers alike. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued a strong statement denouncing the challenge as a blatant violation of religious values, public morality, and national law. Parliamentary figures from House of Representatives Commission VI similarly condemned the promotion, demanding that the Indonesian Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN) launch a thorough investigation into the commercial practices involved.
As state agencies step up scrutiny, festival organizers have sought to distance themselves entirely from the promotion. Representatives for The Sounds Project released an official statement via Instagram expressing deep anger and disappointment over the incident. The organizers emphasized that the booth’s activity flatly contradicted their directives and guidelines, confirming they have already issued formal reprimands to the sponsor involved while vowing to assist police inquiries until the matter is fully resolved.
Legal Next Steps and Accountability
Investigators from the Pademangan Sector Police are compiling administrative case files and preparing for a formal case screening to determine subsequent legal actions. Law enforcement officials have also opened communication channels to assist any members of the public wishing to file formal police reports regarding the incident.
What measures do you think major festival promoters should implement to vet brand activations before gates open to the public?
