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Indonesia limits ear-splitting street parties as religious groups forbid them as ‘haram’

Many residents have complained about loud music from ‘sound horeg’ parties, and said they have an adverse impact on their health.

Published: 4:14pm, 28 Aug 2025

The practice of blasting thumping bass sounds from towering speakers has prompted authorities to issue restrictions to control noise pollution on the main Indonesian island of Java. Known as “sound horeg”, these street parties have become popular in recent years as part of wedding or holiday celebrations.

Indonesia limits ear-splitting street parties as religious groups forbid them as ‘haram’

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Many residents have complained about loud music from ‘sound horeg’ parties, and said they have an adverse impact on their health.

Many residents have complained about loud music from ‘sound horeg’ parties, and said they have an adverse impact on their health.