East Java in Indonesia proposes granting IP rights to ‘horeg’ sound system
02 June 2025
The Ministry of Law and Human Rights for the East Java region has proposed granting the ‘horeg’ sound system intellectual property rights, citing its innovative industrial design and creative value.
Haris Sukamto, head of the ministry’s regional office, introduced the initiative, describing the horeg sound system as a creative innovation by the Indonesian people. “We plan to honour those who have brought such innovative ideas to life through this style of sound system,” he said, as quoted by Kompas, an Indonesian national newspaper published in Jakarta.
The term horeg, which means “to move” or “vibrate” in East Java, refers to a truck-mounted stack of loudspeakers that produce loud and bass-heavy music, commonly used during celebratory events.
Muzahidin, owner of the horeg-operating Brewog Studio in Blitar Regency, welcomed the initiative. He said: “We see this as a good step forward.” He added that he is open to discussions with legal authorities regarding IP rights for the sound system, noting that this might result in improved recognition and regulation of how horeg develops and is applied.
However, the proposal has sparked public debate. A poll conducted by Suara Surabaya, a local radio station, found that 63 percent of respondents opposed granting IP rights to the horeg sound system. Although residents in the areas where the trend originated rarely complained, horeg has drawn criticism for contributing to noise pollution. For example, in some cities like Malang and Blitar, local authorities have banned the use of loudspeakers are prohibited on public streets to protect residents from excessive noise.
Social media backlash has also grown after videos circulated online showing people tearing down home gates, bridge railings and road signs to make way for the trucks transporting the sound equipment.
Surabaya-based artist Heri Lentho, voicing concerns, called for a more cautious and comprehensive review by the ministry before finalizing any decisions. He pointed out that misuse of the sound system remains an issue in some communities and questioned the prioritization of horeg over more traditional art forms.
Estimated to have originated in Malang, East Java around 2014, horeg has gained visibility beyond the region. The sound system made an appearance in the capital when prominent operators were invited to perform at the presidential inauguration of Prabowo Subianto on October 20, 2024.
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
