Indonesia declines noisy, forbidden 'haram' street celebrations

In the bustling city of Malang, East Java, a contentious issue has been making waves - the use of loudspeaker towers at events and parades. These towering structures, a common sight in the region, have been a source of controversy, drawing the ire of local authorities and calm-seeking neighbors alike.

The loudspeaker towers, which often play a mix of electronic tunes and traditional folk music, have been banned from being used near schools, hospitals, ambulances, and places of worship that are in session. This move comes in response to growing concerns about the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to loud sounds.

Indeed, studies show that sound at 85 decibels and above, as registered by some Indonesians on apps, can cause hearing damage over time. However, some loudspeaker tower owners have been operating above the new sound limits due to lax enforcement by local authorities. In fact, some sound levels have been registered as high as 130 decibels, far exceeding the safe limit.

This lax enforcement has led to an increase in hearing problems among those attending events with loudspeaker towers. A recent incident saw a woman die this month after allegedly suffering cardiac arrest caused by loudspeaker towers at a carnival she attended.

Religious bodies in Indonesia have also weighed in on the issue, declaring excessive and damaging sound from loudspeakers to be "haram", or forbidden under Islamic law. In July, a local Islamic council issued a religious edict stating that excessive sound at parties that is capable of causing damage is forbidden by religion.

Despite these concerns, the loudspeaker rental business employs tens of thousands of people and helps the local economy in Malang alone. David Stevan Laksamana, a 40-year-old loudspeaker rental owner, believes that most people who dislike loudspeaker events are not from the local area.

However, some tower owners have been accused of using their equipment as a form of intimidation. Reports suggest that some have parked outside complainants' houses to blare music for hours on end. This practice has been so disruptive that officials have restricted their use.

The governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, has spoken out against the loudspeaker towers. In July, an AFP journalist heard loudspeaker towers blaring music at an East Javan event with authorities present, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement.

Local residents, like Ahmad, fear reporting loudspeaker tower issues due to potential intimidation. Despite this, efforts are being made to ensure that these towers operate within safe sound limits, protecting the health and wellbeing of the community.