Islamic council opposes Andrea Bocelli concerts in Jakarta over Israel ties
The Indonesian Ulema Council demanded government officials cancel two planned concerts by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in Jakarta. The top religious body said the singer’s past support for Israel clashes with national values. The council met with the Ministry of Tourism on Wednesday to voice formal objections.
The council initially announced its opposition on Oct. 10. The group targeted the Andrea Bocelli Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia.
Performances are scheduled at the Borobudur Temple in Central Java’s Magelang city on Oct. 31. A second show is set for the capital on Nov. 3.
The council objected to Bocelli singing at the UNESCO-listed Borobudur Temple. Religious leaders cited his 2010 Los Angeles fundraiser appearance for the Israel Defense Forces.
They also noted his 2022 concert in Tel Aviv. The council released an official statement detailing its position.
“Giving a platform to a figure who has funded or supported military actions linked to humanitarian abuses in Gaza runs contrary to the values of the Indonesian nation and MUI’s religious guidance,” the council said.
Public sympathy for Palestinians remains widespread across the country. The Indonesian government maintains longstanding support for an independent Palestinian state.
Tourism Ministry Secretary Bayu Aji discussed the matter with the scholars. He said talks aimed to reach a consensus.
“The government’s stance is clear: we support Palestine, and there are directives from the MUI leaders that we will try to communicate further. But if the MUI has already made a statement, we will certainly be aligned with the MUI’s decision.”
Police in Magelang withdrew a permit recommendation on Wednesday. That decision affects the planned Borobudur complex concert. Several local Islamic groups have also raised objections.
Neither Bocelli nor event promoters issued an immediate response. Pressure continues to mount on the organizers.
The tour marks three decades since the release of Bocelli’s album “Romanza.” That record featured his hit song “Con Te Partirò.”
The Indonesian Ulema Council serves as the nation’s leading authority on Islamic scholarly guidance. Ministries regularly consult the group on public matters. Administrative offices in Jakarta handle major event permits following inter-agency reviews.
Officials have not announced a final decision. The tour dates remain under review.
