The criminal investigation into a controversial Qur’an recitation challenge offering a bottle of liquor as a prize at The Sounds Project music festival in Ancol, Jakarta Utara, has been officially transferred to the Polda Metro Jaya, according to local police officials on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
The case, which drew widespread public attention after video footage circulated on social media, involves an incident on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at a beverage booth within the festival grounds. According to statements from the authorities, the inquiry has shifted from the Polres Metro Jakarta Utara to the Subdit Keamanan Negara (Kamneg) Ditreskrimum Polda Metro Jaya as legal proceedings continue to unfold.
Police Arrest Two Individuals and Expand Investigation
Investigators have taken two suspects into custody in connection with the incident. Plh Kapolres Metro Jakarta Utara Kombes Oki Waskito stated on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, that the detained individuals include a woman with the initial R and a man with the initial E. Police have not yet detailed the specific roles of the two suspects.
Authorities have also questioned six witnesses as part of a marathon investigation, which includes statements from festival organizers and the beverage company representatives, as noted by Kombes Oki Waskito. Additionally, investigators have seized two electronic evidence items related to the alleged religious defamation case, with police applying provisions under the new Criminal Code (KUHP) articles 300 and/or 301. Kabid Humas Polda Metro Jaya Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto confirmed the transfer of the case file to the provincial police headquarters.
Legal Filings by Tim Hukum Muslim
Legal action surrounding the incident began when advokat Mochammad Rizki Abdullah of the Tim Hukum Muslim filed a formal police report at Polda Metro Jaya on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, registered under number LP/B/5914/VIII/2026/SPKT/POLDA METRO JAYA. According to Rizki, the complaint targets approximately five distinct entities, including the event organizer (EO) of The Sounds Project, the beverage manufacturer, two masters of ceremony (MCs) identified in reports as including an MC with the initial RES, and the female participant who performed the recitation.
Rizki stated that the legal team submitted video recordings and screenshots as evidence, asserting that the actions captured on camera caused deep offense to Muslims across Indonesia. He maintained that the complainants are pursuing the legal process without seeking mediation or peace settlements.
Did You Know? The incident that sparked the police investigation occurred on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at a beverage booth during The Sounds Project music festival held in the Ancol area of North Jakarta.
Festival Organizers and Sponsor Issue Statements
Following the public backlash, festival organizers and corporate sponsors released statements addressing the controversy. In a message posted to their official Instagram account, representatives for The Sounds Project expressed strong condemnation of the event.
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“We as event organizers feel angry, disappointed, and condemn that behavior. We have never and will never justify behavior that makes religion a challenge or product promotion in any form,” the organizers stated, adding that the activity violated their directives and approvals. They confirmed issuing a reprimand to the sponsor to resolve the matter fully.
Handoko Sasongko, Director of Newport, issued a formal apology on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, directed at Muslims, religious leaders, and the public across Indonesia. Sasongko clarified that the activity was not part of any official corporate program, promotional concept, challenge, or direction formulated by the brand, describing it instead as an action that arose spontaneously from visitors at the location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the Qur’an recitation challenge held?
The incident took place at a beverage booth during The Sounds Project music festival in Ancol, Jakarta Utara, on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
Which law enforcement agency currently handles the case?
The case was officially transferred from Polres Metro Jakarta Utara to the Polda Metro Jaya, specifically under the Subdit Keamanan Negara (Kamneg) Ditreskrimum, as confirmed on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
Who has been arrested or reported in connection with the incident?
Police have arrested two suspects with the initials R and E. Separately, the Tim Hukum Muslim filed a formal police report naming approximately five parties, including event organizers, the beverage producer, two MCs, and the participant.
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