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View all search resultsUlemas declare East Java’s Horeg sound system haram amid growing controversy
Videos circulating on social media show residents complaining of shattered windows and damaged roofs, caused by the intense vibrations from horeg parades passing near their homes.
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Boats carrying stacks of sound system, commonly known as 'horeg' sound system, is seen during a sound system battle event during a pre-Ramadan Javanese festival of Nyadran in Sidoarjo, East Java, on Feb. 15. (Shutterstock/Purwanto Rass)
T
he rising popularity of horeg sound systems has fueled widespread controversy in East Java, with a growing number of residents voicing complaints about their disruptive noise pollution, while local Islamic boarding schools have officially declared the practice haram.
Horeg, which means “to move” or “vibrate” in Javanese, refers to the practice of stacking large speakers to produce extremely loud music with intense bass that can literally shake walls, shatter windows and even bring down roofs.
The music played is often a blend of dangdut koplo, electronic dance music and DJ remixes, serving as vibrant entertainment for local communities.
Originating in parts of East Java, horeg has become a common form of entertainment during village events, religious gatherings, weddings and other celebrations since at least the early 2000s. It has even been used as a tool by politicians to attract large crowds during political rallies, including during last year’s general elections.
The practice has surged in popularity in recent years, fueled by social media exposure. Event organizers and enthusiasts often mount towering stacks of speakers on trucks for parades and even on boats.
In recent years, sound system battles have also emerged, where groups compete to deliver the loudest, most powerful audio using horeg setups. These events frequently draw thousands of spectators.
However, as the practice has gained popularity, growing numbers of residents have voiced concerns about the noise pollution caused by horeg sound systems, particularly on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children and those with health issues.
