Viral Challenge of Quran Memorization at Alcohol Booth, Brand Apologizes

The Quran memorization challenge at the alcohol booth during The Sounds Project music festival in Ancol, North Jakarta, on Sunday (9/8/2026), went viral on social media. The footage shows participants reciting verses for the chance to win bottles of alcohol, drawing criticism as an alleged act of religious desecration.

In response, the brand issued an official statement on Tuesday (11/8/2026) and expressed its apologies to the public. "Newport extends its sincerest apologies to all Muslims, religious leaders, and the entire Indonesian community for the incident that caused discomfort, hurt feelings, and public uproar," the brand stated in its official statement on Tuesday (11/8/2026).

1. Apology and Clarification from Newport

In the same statement, Newport emphasized that the activity was not part of an official program, promotional concept, or guidance they had prepared for the event. The brand stated that the moment was triggered by the situation on the ground.

"We need to clarify that the activity was not a program, promotional concept, challenge, or guidance created or planned by the brand. The activity arose spontaneously from visitors at the location," wrote the alcohol brand.

The statement referred to an incident at the booth area during the festival, which they claimed was never planned in any form by the brand.

2. Weak Oversight and Internal Evaluation

The brand also acknowledged the oversight gap on the ground that allowed visitors to take over the microphone from the MC, leading to a Quran memorization challenge in the promotional area.

"We regret the weakness in oversight over visitors who were able to take over the mic from the MC on the ground, allowing actions that do not align with the values of religion, beliefs, culture, and customs upheld by the community to occur," the statement continued.

As a follow-up, Newport mentioned that they have conducted an internal evaluation and implemented measures regarding the personnel involved, along with reinforcing guidance and procedures for all parties involved on the ground.

"We have conducted an internal evaluation and taken action against the relevant personnel, as well as strengthened guidance and procedures for the entire team and partners involved in activities on the ground to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again," they wrote.

3. Legal Process: Police Clarification Schedule

On the other hand, the Metro Jaya Police stated that the investigation has been ongoing since the video circulated. The handling is conducted by the Pademangan Police Station along with the North Jakarta Metro Police regarding the incident at The Sounds Project, Ancol, on Sunday night.

"The Pademangan Police Station together with the North Jakarta Metro Police have conducted an investigation related to the viral video of alleged religious blasphemy during the music festival The Sounds Project in Ancol, North Jakarta, on August 9, 2026, at around 10:00 PM WIB," said Budi Hermanto.

"Today, Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the investigators have scheduled a clarification with the event's EO and MC. Furthermore, the investigators will complete the investigation administration and hold a case presentation," concluded Budi Hermanto.

(kpl/far/phi)