Two women detained in Indonesia over alleged blasphemy case involving Qur’an
Two women in Lebak Regency have been detained after a viral video allegedly showed one stepping on the Qur’an during a dispute-related oath.
- Two women were detained after a viral video allegedly showed a Qur’an being stepped on.
- Police said the act followed a dispute over alleged theft at a salon business.
- Authorities charged both suspects under multiple criminal provisions with potential prison terms.
Police in Indonesia’s Lebak Regency have detained two young women accused of blasphemy after a video circulated online allegedly showing one of them stepping on the Qur’an, an incident that has drawn significant public attention and prompted a swift law enforcement response.
The case occurred in Kampung Polotot Selatan, Sukaraja Village, located within Malingping Subdistrict, on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, at approximately 9.30 p.m. local time.
Authorities have identified the suspects by their initials, including ME (22) and NL (23).
Both individuals were arrested on Friday, 10 April, and formally named as suspects following a case review conducted by investigators.
Banten Police spokesperson Maruli Hutapea said the arrests were made after officers gathered sufficient preliminary evidence, including the viral video and witness statements. The suspects are currently being held at the detention facility of Lebak Police.
According to police, the case originated from a personal dispute involving alleged theft. One of the suspects, who operates a salon business, accused the other of stealing cosmetic equipment that had reportedly been ordered online. The accused denied any involvement.
Investigators said that, in an attempt to resolve the dispute, the accuser demanded that the other woman take an oath to prove her innocence. The oath was carried out by stepping on the Qur’an. Police stated that the act was not spontaneous but was directed and recorded intentionally.
“Based on the investigation, one suspect instructed the oath-taking act and arranged for the video to be recorded, while the other carried out the act,” Maruli said.
The video was subsequently shared on social media platforms, where it spread widely and triggered a strong reaction from the public. Authorities said the circulation of the footage heightened tensions within the community and raised concerns about possible disturbances to public order.
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Head of Public Relations at Lebak Police, Mustafa Ibnu Syafir, confirmed that both suspects were immediately detained after being named, as a preventive measure to avoid escalation.
He added that investigators concluded the act had been carried out knowingly. Police also moved to secure evidence, including the recording device used to capture the video and statements from individuals present at the scene.
“In response to the situation, we acted quickly to secure the suspects to prevent further unrest,” Mustafa said, adding that the legal process would proceed in accordance with established procedures.
The two women have been charged under multiple provisions of Indonesia’s Criminal Code. These include Article 300, which governs acts in public that incite hostility or violence against religions, beliefs, adherents, or places of worship. They are also charged under Article 301, relating to the dissemination of content that provokes hostility towards religion or belief.
In addition, Article 305 stipulates penalties for actions that disturb religious activities or interfere with religious officials, with a maximum sentence of up to five years’ imprisonment.
Police have urged residents to remain calm and not be provoked by the incident, emphasising that authorities will not tolerate any actions that could disrupt public order, particularly those involving sensitive religious matters.
Officials stated that the case would be handled professionally, transparently, and thoroughly as the investigation continues.
