Indonesia's Top Muslim Council Opposes Andrea Bocelli Concerts Over Israel Ties
The Indonesian Ulema Council cited the tenor's past support for Israel as incompatible with the nation's values.
Indonesia's top Islamic council has opposed upcoming concerts by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, citing his past support for Israel as incompatible with the views of many in the Muslim-majority country. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the nation's highest body of Islamic scholars, has demanded the cancellation of Bocelli's scheduled performances in Jakarta on November 3 and at the UNESCO-listed Borobudur Temple in Central Java on October 31.
The council, which first announced its opposition on October 10, met with Indonesian Ministry of Tourism officials to discuss Bocelli's Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour Indonesia. The MUI's objection stems from Bocelli's participation in a 2010 fundraiser for the Israel Defense Forces and a 2022 concert in Tel Aviv.
"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 council stated. Public sympathy for Palestinians is widespread in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, and its government has long advocated for an independent Palestinian state.
According to Tourism Ministry Secretary Bayu Aji, discussions with the MUI were aimed at reaching a consensus. "The government’s stance is clear: we support Palestine, and there are directives from the MUI leaders that we will try to communicate further," Aji said. "But if the MUI has already made a statement, we will certainly be aligned with the MUI’s decision."
At the local level, police in Magelang have withdrawn a recommendation to issue a permit for the Borobudur Temple concert. Opposition from several Islamic groups has also intensified, increasing pressure on the event organizers. Neither Bocelli nor the concert organizers have immediately issued a public response to the MUI's objections. The Indonesia performances are part of Bocelli's world tour celebrating his 30th anniversary and the album "Romanza."