Andrea Bocelli concerts in Indonesia face controversy

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli faces potential cancellation of his upcoming Indonesian concert tour following opposition from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). The controversy stems from allegations regarding Bocelli’s past support for Israel, including a 2010 fundraiser for the Israeli Defense Forces and a 2022 performance in Tel Aviv. The MUI has requested that the government cancel the scheduled performances, arguing that hosting the artist is incompatible with Indonesian values and its support for the Palestinian cause.

The tour, part of the ‘Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour’, includes a performance at the Borobudur Temple on October 31, 2026, and another at JIExpo Kemayoran in Jakarta on November 3, 2026. While the Ministry of Tourism has expressed support for the concerts as a means of promoting tourism, officials stated they would consider the MUI’s position.

Central Java Regional Police Chief Irjen Pol Roy Hardi Siahaan clarified that his office has not recommended revoking the concert permits. He explained that while local authorities provide assessments, the final authority to issue or revoke permits rests with the Indonesian National Police’s Intelligence and Security Agency (BIK). As of now, no final decision has been made by the national police headquarters regarding the permits.