August 11, 2026 | 02:10 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Jakarta police are investigating a viral video allegedly showing religious blasphemy during The Sounds Project music festival in Ancol, North Jakarta.
Jakarta Metro Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Budi Hermanto said the incident allegedly occurred at the festival venue at around 10 p.m. local time on Sunday, August 9.
"To process the case, Pademangan Police have coordinated with the event organizer and the owner of the booth at the venue to support the legal process," Budi said, as quoted by Antara.
Police have scheduled clarification meetings with the event organizer and the master of ceremonies on Tuesday. Investigators will then complete the administrative requirements and conduct a case review to determine the next legal steps.
What happened?
The investigation follows a video that went viral on social media platform X showing a Newport booth conducting a challenge involving a festival attendee. Newport is an alcoholic beverage brand produced by Indonesian consumer goods company OT (Orang Tua Group).
In the video, the attendee appears to be challenged to recite Surah Ad-Duha, the 93rd chapter of the Quran, with a Newport alcoholic beverage offered as the prize for completing the challenge. The footage sparked accusations of religious blasphemy online.
The event organizer has since apologized through its official social media account and expressed regret over the incident, saying the challenge was conducted without its direction or approval.
Police have also opened a channel for members of the public who wish to file official reports concerning the incident.
Authorities have not announced any suspects or determined whether the incident constitutes a criminal offense. Police are expected to assess statements from the event organizer, MC and other relevant parties before deciding how to proceed with the case.
Bandung, Jakarta Ready to Host 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup
23 jam lalu
Bandung and Jakarta are ready to serve as host cities for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, which will take place in Indonesia for the first time.
Indonesia to Hold People's Festival and Carnival for Independence Day
1 hari lalu
Indonesia closes registration for its 81st Independence Day ceremony as it prepares a public People's Festival and Independence Carnival.
Jakarta Sets Public Transport Fares at Rp1 for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day
1 hari lalu
Jakarta has implemented a special transportation fare of only Rp1 to commemorate Indonesia's 81st Independence Day.
TransNusa Launches Jakarta-Bangkok Flight Route
1 hari lalu
Transnusa Airlines has begun the Jakarta-Bangkok flight route starting August 6, 2026.
Jakarta Orders 1,000 Civil Servants to Work Remotely After Bapenda Building Fire
2 hari lalu
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung says about 1,000 civil servants, affected by the Bapenda building fire, will work remotely from home.
Jakarta Air Quality Unhealthy on Sunday Morning, IQAir Advises Masks
2 hari lalu
Jakarta's air quality was recorded as unhealthy on Sunday morning, prompting advice for the public to wear masks when outdoors.
Jakarta Says Tax and Asset Data Safe After Bapenda Building Fire
2 hari lalu
The Jakarta Provincial Government has confirmed that taxation and regional asset data remain safe following the fire at Bapenda building.
BMKG Forecasts Partly Cloudy Jakarta Skies Amid El Nino Warning
2 hari lalu
Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecasts partly cloudy skies across the Jakarta area throughout this Sunday.
Preseason Friendly: Chelsea Beats AC Milan 3-0 in Jakarta
2 hari lalu
Chelsea and AC Milan faced off at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta as part of their preseason friendly tour.
What We Know So Far About Firearms Storage in Jakarta School
2 hari lalu
Hundreds of air guns and firearms were found in a locked room inside a private school in Jakarta.
