# Israel Houghton Southeast Asia tour controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/israel-houghton-southeast-asia-tour-controversy
> Updated: 2026-10-05T02:30:08.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

American gospel singer Israel Houghton and his group, Israel & New Breed, have faced backlash and boycott calls ahead of their ‘Till The Whole World Knows Tour 2026’ in Southeast Asia. The controversy stems from Houghton’s past social media posts expressing support for Israel.

In Malaysia, Islamic organizations in Sabah have opposed planned performances in Kota Kinabalu. While political figures like former Sabah Chief Minister Salleh Said Keruak and Parti Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal have advocated for the event to proceed—arguing that supporting religious freedom does not equate to endorsing the artist’s political views—authorities have been advised to consider postponing due to “heightened social sensitivities.”

In Indonesia, the government has officially blocked the scheduled Jakarta concert. The Directorate General of Immigration confirmed it will reject visa applications for Houghton, citing national security, social harmony, and Indonesia’s foreign policy commitment to the Palestinian cause. Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated the decision follows concerns regarding Houghton’s 2023 statement, ‘I stand with Israel,’ noting the government aims to prevent events from being used for “political propaganda” that contradicts national stances. 

Consequently, Houghton has been placed on a ‘subject of interest’ list for immigration monitoring, a move supported by the organization Mathla’ul Anwar. Authorities emphasized that visa issuance remains a sovereign right used to protect national interests.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Indonesia cancels Israel Houghton concert and rejects visa

Indonesia has canceled a Jakarta concert by US gospel singer Israel Houghton and will reject his visa applications due to his public support for Israel and concerns regarding national security and foreignpolicy

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-rejects-future-visas-for-singer-israel-houghton

### 2026-10-03: Mohd Shafie Apdal urges approval for Israel Houghton concert in Sabah

Parti Warisan President Mohd Shafie Apdal urged Sabah authorities to allow an Israel Houghton concert if legal requirements are met, emphasizing religious freedom and social harmony.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mohd-shafie-apdal-urges-approval-for-israel-houghton-concert-in-sabah

### 2026-09-28: Israel Houghton gospel tour faces boycotts in Malaysia and Indonesia

Gospel singer Israel Houghton faces boycott calls and police scrutiny in Malaysia and Indonesia due to his past political support for Israel, sparking religious and social sensitivities.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sabah-police-advise-postponement-of-israel-houghton-concert

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Cite as: Israel Houghton Southeast Asia tour controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/israel-houghton-southeast-asia-tour-controversy