Entertainment · Celebrity · 3 hrs ago
RANS says it did not fund or direct paid recruitment at Yogyakarta carnival
RANS, the company owned by Indonesian entertainer Raffi Ahmad, said it did not direct or fund alleged paid recruitment for its carnival in Sleman, Yogyakarta.
The allegation involved claims that residents were offered Rp50,000 to attend, but RANS denied arranging or financing it.
The free carnival ran on 31 October and 1 November with music, small businesses and local creative groups.
Some scheduled performers and vendors withdrew before the event, citing their own considerations as the situation developed.
RANS said it simplified the programme and adjusted its lineup, while continuing to involve local performers and businesses.
The company is still assessing the event’s financial impact, but said it does not currently expect a material effect on its operations or finances.
RANS plans stronger risk checks and coordination with security officials and local government for future events.
RANS said it did not instruct, initiate or fund the alleged recruitment of residents for Rp50,000 to attend its Yogyakarta carnival.
The company also said it gave no such instructions to police, village officials or others.
RANS Carnival Yogyakarta took place in Sleman from 31 October to 1 November 2026, with a simpler programme after some performers and vendors withdrew.
RANS said performers made their decisions based on their own considerations amid developments before the event.
The company said it was still assessing the financial impact but did not expect a material effect on its operations or finances.
- Who
- PT Rans Entertainment Indonesia Tbk. (RANS), the company owned by Raffi Ahmad.
- What
- RANS denied instructing, initiating or funding the alleged recruitment of residents for Rp50,000.
- When
- The carnival took place from 31 October to 1 November 2026.
- Where
- Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
- Why
- The event was held as free entertainment for the public; RANS said the alleged paid recruitment was not its activity.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Raffi Ahmad attended a Youth Pledge commemoration at Bundaran HI in Jakarta as an invited guest, according to RANS citing a clarification from the Jakarta Metro Police.
RANS Carnival Yogyakarta took place in Sleman with a simpler programme and continued involvement of local musicians, MSMEs and creative communities.
- Alleged payment
- Rp50,000 per resident
- Carnival dates
- 31 October-1 November 2026
- Carnival location
- Sleman, Yogyakarta
- RANS position
- Said it did not instruct, initiate or fund the alleged recruitment
- Event format
- Free entertainment for the public
What people are saying
The company confirms that a number of performers had not been able to participate in RANS Carnival Yogyakarta before the event, based on each party's own considerations.
The event was held on 31 October-1 November 2026 as scheduled, with a simpler concept and continued involvement of local musicians, MSMEs and creative communities.