TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Division for Religious Teachings and Brotherhood, Cholil Nafis, has stated that the phenomenon of sound horeg, a term for very loud music systems often used in public performances, is haram or forbidden if it disturbs others.
Cholil explained that the East Java branch of the MUI has already issued a fatwa, or religious edict, declaring horeg to be haram based on the principle of illa idza. This Arabic phrase, meaning "except if," signifies an exception or a specific condition.
"This means when it disturbs others. Disturbing others is not permitted," Cholil affirmed at the national working meeting of the Indonesian Islamic Students Alumni Association (IKA PMII) in South Jakarta on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Cholil clarified that sound horeg is considered forbidden if it causes disturbance. However, it is not haram if it does not disturb and is seen as normal entertainment.
According to him, the MUI consulted various experts, including music and religious scholars, before issuing the fatwa. Since the sound horeg phenomenon was particularly prevalent in East Java, especially in Pasuruan and its surroundings, the East Java MUI issued the specific ruling.
"Of course, it's haram with a note: sound horeg that disturbs others, causes damage," he emphasized. "In other words, the factor of its legality is idza, hurting others, disturbing others."
Cholil added that the decision to declare sound horeg as haram stems from its potential to disturb people, even affecting their hearing, and bothering sick individuals.
The East Java Indonesian Ulema Council issued Fatwa No. 1 of 2025 regarding the use of sound horeg on July 9, 2025.
The haram fatwa was issued after the Besuk Islamic Boarding School in Pasuruan, East Java, hosted the One Muharram 1447 H Forum on June 26-27, 2025. Members of the forum collectively agreed to the fatwa against sound horeg.
Reasons for Haram Fatwa of Sound Horeg and Government Response
The fatwa is based on the results of the Bahtsul Masail (discussion of religious issues) held by clerics and students. Muhib Aman Ali, Rector of Ma'had Aly Ponpes Besuk and Chairman of the Advisory Board of NU, stated that the phenomenon of sound horeg is increasingly disturbing the community, particularly in East Java areas like Pasuruan and Malang.
He explained that sound horeg disturbs and harms others due to its extremely loud volume. Additionally, it often involves immorality. According to Muhib, many activities at sound horeg performances violate Islamic law, such as indecent dancing, free association, and even the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Asrorun, Chairperson of the MUI Fatwa Department, said that the fatwa aims to prevent various negative effects of sound horeg performances. Sound horeg is defined as a performance that uses a very large sound system to present music.
"The fatwa is contextual for the sake of public welfare," he said in a written statement via WhatsApp on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
Asrorun further argued that sound horeg also disturbs the community from a health perspective, as the activated sound, he noted, exceeds normal noise limits. Moreover, he suspected that sound horeg performances are often accompanied by alcohol consumption.
Deputy Governor of East Java, Emil Elestianto Dardak, stated that the East Java Provincial Government is currently discussing regulations regarding the use of sound horeg. He mentioned that these regulation discussions involve various sectors to address public aspirations for governing large audio devices in public spaces.
"It's being worked on, not ignored. We are waiting for input from all relevant parties. Because this is the aspiration of the people, it certainly can't be ignored," said Emil Dardak, as quoted by Antara on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
According to Emil, the phenomenon of sound horeg cannot be allowed to continue because it has the potential to trigger social conflicts if not handled wisely.
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