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Residents in an Indonesian village observed as a towering setup of loudspeakers mounted on a truck rumbled through their normally peaceful neighborhood, blaring loud bass that nearly shattered windows. These speaker stacks are a common sight on Java, Indonesia’s main island, often used during street celebrations featuring a mix of electronic and traditional folk music. However, their frequent use has led to frustration among local authorities and neighbors seeking peace.
Authorities recently imposed restrictions on their operation due to the disruptive noise, and religious leaders have declared excessive sound levels to be “haram,” or forbidden under Islamic law. One resident of Ngantru village in East Java, Ahmad Suliyat, mentioned, “The sound blares from 1 p.m. until 3 a.m., with loud music and alcohol being consumed. It’s very upsetting.”
Videos circulating online show damage such as cracked walls, falling roof tiles, and damaged storefronts attributed to what locals call “sound horeg,” a Javanese term roughly meaning to shake or vibrate from loud noise. These incidents prompted East Java officials to regulate sound levels and specify acceptable times and locations for loudspeaker use. East Java’s governor, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, explained that these measures are intended to protect public health and maintain order.
Prolonged exposure to loud noise is linked to health issues like increased risk of heart disease. Over the past decade, loudspeaker towers have become popular for events but have brought serious health consequences for some attendees. Reports include a woman who died from a suspected heart attack after attending a carnival featuring these loudspeakers, alongside a rising number of hearing problems among participants. The local government has set a maximum volume of 120 decibels for permanent installations and 85 decibels for mobile units used during parades or protests. These mobile units are also prohibited from operating near schools, hospitals, ambulances, and places of worship.
A religious decree issued in July states that excessive, damaging sound at parties or events—particularly those involving loud convoy celebrations—is forbidden. The decree emphasizes that loud noises that cause disturbance or interfere with worship are considered “haram.”
Despite these regulations, enforcement remains lax. Many loudspeaker setups continue to exceed the limits, often seen blaring music openly during events while authorities look on. The World Health Organization warns that noise levels above 85 decibels can cause long-term hearing damage, and levels over 120 decibels can cause immediate harm. Many online posts show sound levels reaching as high as 130 decibels.
Within the community, some operators argue that these loudspeaker businesses support local economies by providing employment. David Stevan Laksamana, a 40-year-old owner of a loudspeaker rental service in Malang, stated, “Most people who dislike loud horeg aren’t from here. This industry employs tens of thousands in Malang and helps the economy.” Others, however, hesitate to report violations due to fears of intimidation, with some owners even parking outside complaint houses to continue playing music for hours.
Traditional usage persists, with residents like 61-year-old Daini accepting it as part of local culture. She noted the cracked window from a previous event but still sees loud celebrations as a norm, saying, “People here enjoy loud events.”
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