The Sound Project Vol. 9 wrapped up its three-day run from August 7–9, 2026, at Econvention & Ecopark Ancol in North Jakarta. Beyond the music, three major highlights from this year’s edition have sparked widespread conversation.
First, the festival boasted an undeniably stellar and eclectic lineup. Indonesian pop and R&B heavyweights like Tulus, Kunto Aji, Isyana Sarasvati, Naykilla, IDGTAF, and power couple Mahalini and Rizky Febian commanded the main stages. Indie and rock staples including The S.I.G.I.T, Elephant Kind, Teenage Death Star, .Feast, Hindia, Barasuara, Efek Rumah Kaca, Perunggu, and Reality Club kept the energy high. The event also featured crowd-pleasing mainstream acts such as King Nassar, NDX AKA, Kangen Band, Souljah, and Tipe-X, alongside international highlights Jet (Australia), Neck Deep (Wales), and the Dutch-based colonial-nostalgia outfit Nusantara Beat.
Second takeaways, a bizarre stage-invading incident drew heavy backlash online. During Australian rock band Jet’s performance of their classic hit ‘Look What You’ve Done,’ controversial public figure Aldi Taher suddenly sprinted from backstage, stormed the stage like an overzealous fan, and ambushed lead vocalist Nic Cester with an uninvited hug.
While festival-goers initially assumed it was a planned promotional stunt, backstage crew quickly intercepted and removed her from the stage. The stunt invited fierce criticism from netizens and event staff alike, who slammed her for clout-chasing and cringe-worthy behavior. AT eventually issued a public apology, attributing her impulsive actions to being a devoted fan since high school.
The third notable incident, and the most severe, was a major ethical and religious controversy at a vendor booth. Following the festival, a viral video recorded on the final night at the Newport alcoholic beverage booth sparked intense outrage. In the video, a voice could be heard offering a promotional challenge: a free bottle of Newport alcohol to anyone who could recite Surah Ad-Duha (Islamic verse from Quran).
The clip ignited immediate condemnation from the public, community leaders, and religious authorities, who deemed the stunt deeply unethical and blasphemous. Prof. KH Asrorun Niam Sholeh, Chairman of the Fatwa Commission of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), forcefully stated that using sacred Quranic verses to promote alcoholic products is completely unacceptable religiously, morally, and legally.
In response, The Sound Project organizers released an official statement on Instagram (@thesoundsproject), expressing anger and disappointment while extending a sincere apology to the public. Management clarified that the activity was conducted unilaterally by tenant staff without the organizers’ knowledge or authorization. They issued a formal warning to Newport’s parent company and initiated legal action against those involved.
Although tenant MC Revnaldo Ega initially apologized for allowing the stunt, subsequent reports revealed that a festival attendee spontaneously grabbed the microphone to suggest the idea—a breach that went unchecked by booth staff, security, and surrounding spectators alike.