New KUHAP: Sound Horeg and Dangdut Stage on Public Roads Can Be Sentenced

JAKARTA - Family celebrations that present large-scale music entertainment, including the phenomenon of sound horeg and dangdut stage, are increasingly common in a number of regions. Activities that were originally private often developed into public gatherings that used roads and public facilities without official permission.

In practice, weddings, circumcisions, and thanksgiving for residents are often accompanied by the installation of tents, stages, and high-powered sound equipment. Some activities take place until late at night and close part of the road. This condition triggers complaints from residents due to noise, congestion, and disruption of public access.

The sound horeg phenomenon magnifies the impact of crowds. High-volume sound explosions attract large crowds and have the potential to cause friction between visitors. In some areas, the police recorded riots and public order disturbances that started from music entertainment activities without adequate arrangements.

Legally, the holding of parties or gatherings on public roads and public places has been regulated in Article 274 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code (KUHP). In the rules it reads that anyone who holds a party or gathering for the public without permission can be subject to a fine of up to Category II. This provision confirms that permission is an important condition in maintaining order and security.

The threat of sanctions increases if the activity interferes with public interests, causes disorder, or chaos. In these conditions, the perpetrator can be sentenced to a maximum of 6 months in prison or fined. Legal assessment is based on the impact on society.

(1) Any person who without a permit holds a party or public gathering in a public road or in a public place shall be punished with a fine of at most category II.

(2) Any person who commits an offense as referred to in paragraph (1) which results in disruption of public interests, creates disorder, or chaos in society shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a maximum of 6 (six) months or a maximum fine of category II.