World · East Asia & Pacific · 7 hrs ago
Police Prepare Security for Andrea Bocelli Concert at Borobudur
Central Java police are preparing security for Andrea Bocelli’s concert at Borobudur in Magelang, Indonesia, scheduled for Saturday night.
Police say they will work with the military, local government and the site’s management to protect concertgoers, residents, tourists and people expressing their views.
The plans include female officers acting as negotiators, as well as traffic arrangements and shuttle buses.
The concert has faced public opposition, including from Indonesia’s Ulema Council, which has objected to Bocelli’s reported participation in a 2010 fundraiser for the Israeli military.
As of October 28, immigration had not issued his visa and said it was waiting for a decision from the police security and intelligence agency before deciding.
Police are nevertheless preparing for the event and urge people to express views peacefully and follow travel and safety guidance.
Whether Bocelli will be able to enter Indonesia remains unclear in the information available.
Central Java police prepared joint security for Andrea Bocelli’s concert at Borobudur on Saturday, 31 October.
The operation involved the military, Magelang Regency government and Borobudur site management.
Police said the measures covered concertgoers, tourists, local residents and people wishing to express their views.
The preparations came amid differing opinions and public objections to the concert.
On 28 October, Indonesia’s immigration chief said Bocelli’s visa had not been issued while officials awaited a decision from police intelligence.
- Who
- Central Java police and partner agencies are preparing security for Andrea Bocelli’s concert.
- What
- The concert is part of the Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia.
- When
- Saturday night, 31 October 2026.
- Where
- The Borobudur Temple area, Magelang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia.
- Why
- Police said the plan is intended to address possible security and public-order disruptions and keep the area safe during the event.
Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI)
Central Java Police
Concert approval
Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI)
MUI objected to the concert and urged the government to reconsider and revoke its approval.
Central Java Police
Police prepared security for the event while saying they respected people’s right to express their views.
Reasoning
Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI)
MUI cited Bocelli’s past participation in a fundraising event for the Israel Defense Forces and said this conflicted with Indonesia’s stance on Palestine.
Central Java Police
Police said differing opinions were normal and called for dialogue, mutual respect and a peaceful situation.
MUI official Sudarnoto publicly regretted the government’s decision to allow the concert and called for the approval to be reconsidered.
Immigration chief Hendarsam said Bocelli’s visa had not been issued and that the agency was awaiting a decision from police intelligence.
Central Java police prepared joint security for Bocelli’s concert at Borobudur that evening.
- Concert
- Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia
- Venue
- Borobudur Temple area, Magelang Regency
- Concert date
- 31 October 2026
- Security partners
- Indonesian military, Magelang Regency government and Borobudur site management
- Visa status on 28 October
- Not yet issued
3 sources
What people are saying
We are waiting for the head of Baintelkam (Polri) first. After that, we will decide.
I deeply regret the government’s decision, which is apparently not in line with MUI’s position and official statements and the public’s aspirations.
We respect residents’ right to express their views, while also ensuring that tourists, concertgoers and the general public can go about their activities safely and comfortably.
Differences of opinion are normal, and we respect every citizen’s right to express their views. However, we urge everyone to prioritize dialogue, mutual respect and keeping the situation safe and peaceful.