Entertainment · Music · 5 hrs ago
Indonesian Muslim groups oppose Andrea Bocelli concerts
Indonesia’s top Islamic council, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), has demanded the cancellation of Andrea Bocelli’s concerts in the country.
The Italian singer is scheduled to perform at Borobudur Temple in Central Java on October 31 and in Jakarta on November 3.
MUI and the Muslim organization Muhammadiyah object to his past support for Israel, including a 2010 fundraiser for the Israel Defense Forces and a 2022 concert in Tel Aviv.
Their opposition reflects widespread public sympathy for Palestinians in Indonesia, where the government has long supported an independent Palestinian state.
Police withdrew a recommendation for a Borobudur concert permit, while the Tourism Ministry said it would discuss the matter with MUI and align with its decision; a separate account said the ministry had not yet issued an official stance.
Bocelli and the organizers had not publicly responded, and no final decision on the concerts was reported.
Indonesia’s top Islamic council, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), is urging the cancellation of Andrea Bocelli’s scheduled concerts in the country.
MUI objects to the Italian tenor’s past support for Israel, including a 2010 fundraiser for the Israel Defense Forces and a 2022 concert in Tel Aviv.
The concerts are scheduled for Oct. 31 at Borobudur Temple in Central Java and Nov. 3 in Jakarta.
Muhammadiyah has also rejected the concerts, saying Bocelli’s actions conflict with Indonesia’s values and support for Palestine.
The Tourism Ministry said it would seek consensus with MUI, while a local police recommendation for a permit at Borobudur was withdrawn.
- Who
- The Indonesian Ulema Council and Muhammadiyah oppose the concerts by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
- What
- The groups are seeking to stop Bocelli’s scheduled performances in Indonesia.
- When
- The concerts are scheduled for Oct. 31 and Nov. 3, 2026. MUI raised its opposition on Oct. 10 and met government officials on Oct. 14.
- Where
- Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, and Jakarta.
- Why
- The groups cite Bocelli’s past support for Israel and say it conflicts with humanitarian principles and Indonesia’s support for Palestine.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bocelli participated in a fundraiser in Los Angeles for the Israel Defense Forces, according to AP.
Bocelli performed at a concert in Tel Aviv, according to the articles.
Anwar said Bocelli sent a letter supporting the release of Israeli hostages.
MUI initially announced its opposition to the concerts.
MUI met Tourism Ministry officials, and Magelang police withdrew a recommendation for a Borobudur concert permit.
Bocelli is scheduled to perform at Borobudur Temple and in Jakarta, respectively.
- Artist
- Andrea Bocelli
- Concert dates
- Oct. 31 and Nov. 3, 2026
- Borobudur venue
- Magelang, Central Java
- Jakarta venue
- Jakarta
- Tour
- Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour
- Opposing groups
- Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and Muhammadiyah
2 sources
What people are saying
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 government should not tolerate under the pretext of art or economy while neglecting [our] national identity as a nation that rejects things that conflict with humanity and justice.
The government’s stance is clear: we support Palestine, and there are directives from the MUI leaders that we will try to communicate further,
MUI clearly rejects those who support tyranny, colonization, and genocide.