Two suspects arrested over Quran challenge for alcohol at music festival

Authorities in North Jakarta have apprehended two suspects, identified by the initials R and E, in connection with a controversial Quran memorization challenge that offered alcoholic drinks as prizes. The incident took place during the "The Sounds Project" music festival held at Ancol, Jakarta Utara.

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The perpetrators of blasphemy have currently been secured at the North Jakarta Metro Police.

Police stated that the suspects are currently in custody at the North Jakarta Metro Police. A case review is scheduled to determine whether the investigation will proceed to the formal inquiry stage within the 24-hour legal limit. The challenge, which involved reciting a chapter of the Quran in exchange for what appeared to be promotional alcoholic beverages, sparked widespread outrage after videos circulated on social media.

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We as event organizers are also angry, disappointed, and condemn this behavior. We have never, and will never, condone behavior that uses religion as a challenge or product promotion in any form.

The official Instagram account for The Sounds Project issued a statement condemning the behavior, emphasizing that the festival organizers do not condone using religion for challenges or product promotions. They asserted that the incident occurred entirely outside their direction, approval, and control.

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We emphasize that this incident was entirely outside our direction, approval, and control as event organizers.

Similarly, the MC for the Newport booth, Revnaldo Ega, and the Newport management issued apologies. Ega acknowledged a lapse in controlling the situation, calling it a spontaneous audience action unrelated to Newport. Newport Director Handoko Sasongko claimed the activity was not a planned promotion and expressed regret for the lapse in supervision that allowed an act contrary to religious and cultural values.

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This incident was a spontaneous action by the audience and is not related to Newport.