The aftermath of the Quranic Challenge with the inheritance prize, PKS urges the DKI Provincial Government to take action

ILLUSTRATION DOK BETWEEN

JAKARTA - The promotion of alcoholic beverages during the The Sounds Project music festival in the Ancol area, North Jakarta, has sparked controversy. Visitors are challenged to memorize Surah Ad-Duha at the "Newport" alcohol booth with alcoholic beverages as prizes.

The case triggered criticism from the DKI Jakarta DPRD. Deputy Chairman of the PKS Faction M. Subki urged the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government not to stop at reprimands, but also take legal action against those involved.

Subki emphasized that the activity took place in the Ancol Ecopark tourist area, which is an asset owned by the DKI Jakarta BUMD. He also assessed that the action did not respect the values of religion and culture of the people of Jakarta.

"Of course this act does not take into account the values of religion and culture of DKI Jakarta residents. We convey our hope to the Governor that it is not enough to condemn, but the perpetrators must be dealt with firmly, punished according to the applicable laws and regulations because they have insulted and disrespected noble religious values," said Subki in a plenary meeting at the DKI Jakarta DPRD building, Wednesday, August 12.

Subki also touched on the importance of monitoring the circulation and sale of liquor, especially in public spaces and tourist areas.

Continuing, Member of the PKS Faction of the DKI Jakarta DPRD Ahmad Yani asked the DKI Provincial Government to evaluate the supervision mechanism in the implementation of large-scale events, including tenant activities, sponsors, product promotions, and event materials.

"Regarding the use of verses from the Qur'an, yes in one place that is not necessarily, and how people who memorize the letter are then given alcohol as a gift. This I think is something that makes us and Muslims very sad," said Yani.

Yani assessed that the use of religious symbols in commercial promotional activities should not be allowed to repeat.

"We ask the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to ensure that every large-scale activity has a clear monitoring mechanism for tenant activities, sponsors, product promotions, and event materials. Don't let this kind of incident happen again," said Yani.

The PKS urges that the alleged blasphemy in the activity be thoroughly investigated and become the basis for evaluating the supervision system for event management in areas managed by local governments.

"We don't want public spaces and entertainment activities to be places where religious symbols are used indiscriminately for promotional purposes. We also hope that the authorities can follow up on this issue," he continued.

It is known that the event of the challenge of memorizing the Quran with a prize of liquor in the The Sounds Project festival took place on Sunday, August 9, 2026. In the challenge, visitors who successfully memorize will receive a prize of one bottle of alcoholic beverage. The incident was recorded by the visitors' amateur camera and went viral on social media. Immediately the action was criticized by the public.

Currently, the viral case of alleged blasphemy is under investigation by the North Jakarta Metro Police. Head of Public Relations of the North Jakarta Metro Police, Iptu Maryati Jonggi confirmed that there had been a report to the North Jakarta Police from the MUI.

"MUI reported to the police. The case is currently under investigation, the incident is still being investigated and clarified to the parties related to the event," he said when confirmed, Tuesday, August 11, evening.

The police are still collecting a number of evidence from the viral video footage. "We are collecting and examining the existing evidence, including the video that is circulating on social media," he said.