Quran Memorization Challenge for Alcohol Prize: 2 Arrested as Case Moves to Polda Metro Jaya

The criminal investigation into a controversial social media challenge involving the recitation of Quranic verses for a prize of alcoholic beverages at a Jakarta music festival has been transferred to the Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya), according to local law enforcement. The case was previously handled by the North Jakarta Metro Police before being elevated to regional detectives.

The incident took place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at a tenant booth during The Sounds Project music festival held in the Ancol area of North Jakarta. Video footage capturing the event circulated widely across social media platforms, sparking intense public backlash and prompting formal legal complaints. Law enforcement officials have since detained two individuals who appeared in the viral videos while widening their probe into other potential participants and organizers.

“Proses hukum sedang berjalan dan untuk kasusnya sudah dilimpahkan ke PMJ,” stated North Jakarta Metro Police Public Relations Head Iptu Maryati Jonggi on Thursday, August 13, 2026, as reported by local media. Police have urged the public to remain calm and avoid taking matters into their own hands while the judicial process moves forward.

Arrests Made and Investigation Shifts to Regional Police

Following the rapid online spread of the footage, investigators from the North Jakarta Metro Police acted swiftly. Acting Police Chief of North Jakarta Commissioner Oki Waskito confirmed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, that two individuals had been taken into custody. The individuals were identified only by their initials as a woman named R and a man named E. Police have not yet detailed the specific roles each played in the incident.

According to additional reporting from Kompas, investigators seized two electronic evidence items and conducted marathon questioning involving at least six witnesses, including representatives from the festival organizer and the beverage brand. Acting Police Chief Oki Waskito noted that authorities are utilizing provisions under the newly enacted Criminal Code (KUHP), specifically citing potential violations of Articles 300 and/or 301. Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains active and could expand to include other individuals involved in organizing or executing the booth activity.

By Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the case file and the individuals were officially transferred to the State Security Sub-directorate (Kamneg) under the General Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police. Jakarta Metropolitan Police Public Relations Head Commissioner Budi Hermanto confirmed the handover to reporters, noting that the regional headquarters assumed full control of the case file.

Tribunnews reported that when the two individuals were transferred from the North Jakarta precinct to the regional headquarters, R was seen wearing a white shirt, glasses, and a mask while escorted by female detectives. E wore a gray jacket, a cap, and a mask. Investigators clarified during the early proceedings that initial public claims pointing directly to event comperes or MCs as the originators of the challenge were still under strict review, with authorities examining all available testimonies.

Organizer and Brand Responses

The management of The Sounds Project issued a public statement through their official Instagram account expressing strong condemnation over the booth activity. Organizers stated that the stunt violated event guidelines and was executed entirely without their knowledge or approval. They confirmed issuing formal reprimands to the sponsoring brand involved and demanded a thorough resolution.

“Kami sebagai penyelenggara acara turut merasa marah, kecewa, dan mengecam perilaku tersebut,” the organizers stated on Instagram, adding that they firmly reject any use of religion as promotional material or challenge content. Legal filings submitted to the Jakarta Metropolitan Police on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, by a legal advocate representing the Muslim Legal Team had specifically named representatives from the event organizer, individual masters of ceremonies, and the beverage brand booth.

Handoko Sasongko, Director of Newport, also released an official statement on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, offering apologies to the Muslim community, religious leaders, and the broader public in Indonesia. He clarified that the challenge activity was never part of the brand’s official marketing strategy or promotional concept, describing the stunt as a spontaneous action by visitors present at the tenant booth.

“Newport perlu meluruskan bahwa aktivitas tersebut bukan merupakan program, konsep promosi, challenge, maupun arahan yang dibuat atau direncanakan oleh Newport,” Sasongko stated, noting that the company is fully cooperating with ongoing inquiries to clear up the matter.

As the legal proceedings continue under the supervision of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, authorities have reiterated calls for public restraint. Investigators are expected to schedule further case reviews and witness examinations before determining formal charges against the detained individuals and any other suspects identified during the ongoing probe.