August 6, 2025 | 10:36 pm
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya has delegated the regulations on 'sound horeg' activity to regional governments. According to him, this activity is a form of local wisdom. "It's a local wisdom. We leave it to the regional governments," he said at the Presidential Palace Complex, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
Teuku said that the response to 'sound horeg' varies in each region. Some feel disturbed, while others do not. What's important, he said, is for the activity to avoid disturbing residents.
However, he believes that there are still many other creative economic activities acceptable by societal standards. Nevertheless, he reiterated that the decision is dependent on each respective region.
East Java MUI Declares Excessive 'Sound Horeg' Forbidden
The East Java branch of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) previously issued a fatwa declaring excessive 'sound horeg' as haram (forbidden).
This fatwa was based on a consensus reached during the Forum Satu Muharram 1447 H, held at the Besuk Islamic boarding school (Ponpes) in Pasuruan Regency, East Java, from June 26-27, 2025. The decision was the result of discussions among clerics and students.
As quoted from the MUI's website, Muhib Aman Ali, the Rector of Ma'had Aly Ponpes Besuk and Rais Syuriah of PBNU, noted that the 'sound horeg' phenomenon has become increasingly problematic, particularly in regions like Pasuruan and Malang. The systems are considered to disturb and harm people due to the extremely loud noise they produce.
Additionally, 'sound horeg' was declared haram due to its association with indecency. According to Muhib, many activities at these performances violate Islamic law, including "indecent dancing, free mingling, and the consumption of alcoholic drinks."
The East Java MUI is now awaiting a response from the provincial government to finalize regulations regarding 'sound horeg' before the 80th Indonesian Independence Day.
'Sound Horeg' Considered Haram if Causing Harm
Previously, the Secretary General of the
ndonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Amirsyah Sanusi Tambunan, stated that the use of 'sound horeg,' an excessively loud music system, could be considered haram, or forbidden, if it causes mafsadat, or harm. Amirsyah's comment was made in response to the death of a resident in Lumajang, East Java, who was watching a 'sound horeg' performance.
According to reports, a 39-year-old woman named Anik Mutmainnah died while at a 'sound horeg' carnival in Lumajang. Amirsyah explained that Islam can prohibit the use of such a massive sound system if it leads to harm, such as a fatality.
This ruling applies to other sound amplifiers as well. "If the substance creates noise, ruptures the eardrums, it means it brings mafsadat. If it brings mafsadat, then it is considered haram," he said at the Pullman Hotel in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
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