Indonesian sound horeg loudspeaker controversy

Following the deaths of at least three people in East Java during August 2026, calls for a ban on ‘sound horeg’—large-scale loudspeaker parade systems—have intensified.

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in East Java has urged for stricter law enforcement and more binding legal decisions from governors or local regents, noting that previous fatwas and circulars lacked sufficient legal strength. The MUI highlighted that some local leaders may be hesitant to crack down on these parades due to political commitments made to loudspeaker owners during campaigns.

At the national level, Eka Widodo, a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has called on the Ministry of Home Affairs to implement a nationwide ban to ensure public safety. In response to the fatalities, the East Java Provincial Government is reviewing existing regulations, including a joint circular from August 2025 regarding noise levels and permits, to evaluate enforcement through stakeholder consolidation.

Adding to the legislative debate, lawmaker Maman Imanulhaq has expressed support for the MUI fatwa, noting it responds to public complaints regarding disturbances. However, Imanulhaq clarified that the fatwa does not ban the practice entirely, as it can contribute to the local economy and job creation. Instead, he argued that regulations should target specific harmful elements—such as excessive noise, threats to public order, or associations with alcohol and erotic dancing—to protect the rights of both proponents and affected citizens.