The Sounds Project's Alcohol Controversy, Wamenag: Don't Commercialize Religion

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Religion (Wamenag) Romo Muhammad Syafi'i asked business actors and organizers of activities not to make religion a commodity to pursue profit or popularity.

The statement was made by the Minister of Religion in response to allegations of the use of symbols and verses from the Quran in the promotion of alcoholic beverages associated with The Sounds Project event.

"To business actors and organizers of activities, I emphasize that they should not pursue profits and virality by making religion a commodity," said Romo Syafi'i in Jakarta, Wednesday (12/8/2026).

Previously, a video circulated on social media showing an alcohol beverage stand challenging visitors who memorized Surah Ad-Dhuha to come forward and get a drink.

Romo Syafi'i regretted the incident. He asked all parties, including the organizers of the event, to be more careful in using attributes, symbols, holy books, and religious messages in product promotion activities.

According to him, the Quran has a sacred position for Muslims so that it should not be used as a source of entertainment or marketing strategy.

"The Quran is not a source of entertainment, not a marketing gimmick, and not an instrument for chasing virality. Holy verses have a sacred position for Muslims and must be respected," he said.

Wamenag encourages clearer rules

Romo Syafi'i encouraged that the case should be a momentum to build clearer rules and guidelines regarding the use of religious symbols and messages in promotional activities.

"I also encourage this case to be a momentum to build clear rules and guidelines, so that the use of religion as a promotional material, joke, or strategy to gain profit does not happen again," he said.

The Minister of Religion reminded all parties of the case of the promotion of alcoholic beverages carried out by Holywings in 2022. At that time, the promotion of alcoholic beverages used the names "Muhammad" and "Maria".

The case then led to legal proceedings and became a lesson about the limits of freedom of expression, especially when entering the territory of respect for religion and community beliefs.

Ask the Investigation Unit to Investigate Professionally

Romo Syafi'i also asked law enforcement officers to thoroughly and professionally investigate the alleged use of the religious symbol.

"I ask law enforcement officers to investigate thoroughly and professionally, including who made the concept, gave approval, implemented, and was responsible for the activity. If there is a violation of the law, there must be a firm consequence according to the applicable provisions," he said.

On the other hand, the Minister of Home Affairs appealed to the public not to be provoked and entrusted the handling of the case to the authorities in accordance with applicable laws.

He emphasized that freedom of expression must go hand in hand with responsibility and respect for people's beliefs.

"This case must be the last, not because we forget it, but because we make it a basis for preventing it from being repeated," said Romo Syafi'i.