Sound Yerag Banned In Ngawi, Police Ready To Take Strict Action On Violations

Illustration of the sound horeg festival (ANTARA)

NGAWI - There is no room for sound horeg in Ngawi, East Java. After a number of areas banned, now the Ngawi Police have taken a firm stance on the use of extreme volume sound systems that often disturb people in their jurisdictions.

Ngawi Police Chief AKBP Charles Pandapotan Tampubolon emphasized his commitment to crack down on the use of sound horeg which is considered disturbing public order.

"There are no standard parameters regarding the shape or size of the sound system, but if it has been modified to make excessive noise that is disturbing, we can take action," said AKBP Charles on Wednesday, July 23.

According to him, the main indicator is not just the size of the device, but the impact it causes, such as excessive noise that interferes with rest time, worship, and even the comfort of residents who are sick.

The police, he said, would not hesitate to disperse the event or secure the sound system if it was proven to have violated it. Especially if it is used without permission or outside the hours of normal activities.

The instruction is in line with the East Java Regional Police's appeal which has previously strictly prohibited the use of sound horeg. Including the haram fatwa from the East Java Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), because it causes social and health harm.

"Please do activities, but do not harm others. If you want to use a sound system, make sure the volume is under control and the time is right," said the Ngawi police chief.

Previously, the use of sound horeg was in the public spotlight because it was often used by parades with extreme volume. Not infrequently, it triggers damage to residents' houses, damages public facilities such as gates, and causes casualties due to accidents or collapsed sound systems.