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Israel Houghton Southeast Asia tour controversy

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2026-10-06 06:21 UTC → 2026-10-06 10:53 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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