August 6, 2025 | 04:37 pm
The Secretary General of the Indonesian 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.
The Need for Public Education and Regulation
Amirsyah acknowledged the cultural challenges in educating the public about the potentially harmful effects of sound horeg. He suggested that this issue could be addressed by increasing public awareness through reading, writing, and understanding the negative impacts of such noise.
Furthermore, Amirsyah recommended that the government establish specific regulations for the use of sound horeg. "Please regulate it properly. Because the purpose of this tool is to bring benefits so that people can hear. But if it ruptures the eardrums, what then?" he questioned.
East Java MUI Issues Formal Fatwa
The East Java branch of the MUI had previously issued a fatwa declaring excessive sound horeg as haram. 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.
Fatwa Cites Moral and Social Concerns
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.
"The government needs to take firm steps to build harmony in the community and prevent all activities that could disrupt harmony, disturb comfort, and public order," said Asrorun Ni'am Sholeh, the Chairperson of the MUI Fatwa Division, at the MUI’s 50th Anniversary celebration at the Hajj Dormitory in Jakarta on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Hendrik Khoirul Muhid contributed to the report.
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