Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesian police detained two people over a viral Quran memorization challenge that allegedly offered alcohol at a music festival in North Jakarta.
The suspects are a woman identified as R and a man identified as E. Officers escorted both to a detention facility after questioning them at the Jakarta Metropolitan Police.
Neither suspect spoke to reporters. Both wore detainee uniforms and kept their heads down as officers led them away.
“The suspects in the alleged blasphemy case have now been secured at the North Jakarta Police Station,” North Jakarta Police acting chief Oki Waskito said on Wednesday, August 12, according to local media.
Meanwhile, authorities have transferred the investigation from North Jakarta Police to the Jakarta Metropolitan Police.
The case emerged after a video from The Sounds Project music festival went viral on social media. The festival took place at Ancol, North Jakarta, on Sunday, August 9.
The video showed visitors taking part in a challenge at a Newport alcohol booth. Participants reportedly had to recite Surah Ad-Duha from the Quran to receive a bottle of alcohol.
The incident quickly sparked public criticism online. In response, The Sounds Project condemned the activity and denied approving the challenge.
The organizer said it would never allow religion to become part of a product promotion or challenge.
Revnaldo Ega, the master of ceremonies at the Newport booth, also issued a public apology. He said visitors started the activity spontaneously and admitted that he failed to control the situation.
Newport management later apologized to Muslims, religious leaders and the wider Indonesian public.
Newport director Handoko Sasongko said the activity did not come from the company’s promotional plans. However, he acknowledged that weak supervision allowed the incident to happen.
“We regret the lack of supervision in the field, which allowed an action that went against religious values, beliefs, culture and traditions upheld by Indonesian society,” Handoko said.
Police are now continuing the investigation to determine the legal responsibility of those involved.
