Indonesian police investigate Quran memorization challenge for alcohol prize

Authorities in North Jakarta are investigating a controversial promotion at the "The Sounds Project" music festival, where a sponsor's booth reportedly offered alcoholic beverages as a prize for memorizing a verse from the Quran. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the festival held in Ancol, has sparked outrage online.

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The relevant unit of the Pademangan Police Criminal Investigation Unit is conducting an investigation.

Social media users widely criticized the promotion, deeming it unethical and disrespectful. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Central Board strongly condemned the gimmick, stating it violates religious, moral, and legal norms. Prof. KH Asrorun Niam Sholeh, Head of MUI's Fatwa Commission, emphasized that the Quran is sacred and its recitation is an act of worship, making its association with alcohol unacceptable.

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We are checking and investigating the incident.

"This action cannot be justified, either religiously, morally, ethically, or legally. The perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions," Niam stated. He further explained that the Quran is considered the word of God and its recitation is highly valued as worship.

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This action cannot be justified, either religiously, morally, ethically, or legally. The perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions.

The festival organizers, The Sounds Project, issued a statement on their official Instagram account on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. They affirmed their commitment to respecting the beliefs of all attendees and declared zero tolerance for any violations of these values. The organizers confirmed the incident occurred at a sponsor's booth during the festival, which ran from August 7-9, 2026.

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Respect for the religion and beliefs of all audiences is a value that we hold firmly as organizers, and there is no tolerance for violations of these values.