Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesia has renewed its scrutiny of international artists accused of supporting Israel. The latest cases involve American gospel singer Israel Houghton and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
The government has decided not to issue Houghton a visa if he applies to enter Indonesia. Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko said the singer’s activities and record of support for Israel had drawn official attention.
As a result, Houghton has been placed on the immigration system’s Subject of Interest (SOI) list. His visa application will not be approved. Authorities consider his stance inconsistent with Indonesia’s position on Palestine.
Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the decision followed discussions among several government institutions. These included the Foreign Ministry, the Culture Ministry, the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs, and the National Police.
“After coordinating across institutions and considering domestic security as well as the Indonesian government’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people, we believe activities that could potentially undermine the Palestinian struggle should not be allowed to take place in Indonesia,” Yusril said on October 5 in Jakarta.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has urged the government to cancel a planned concert by Bocelli. The group argues that Indonesia should reject events involving figures it considers supporters of Zionism.
Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, head of MUI’s foreign relations division, cited Bocelli’s reported participation in a 2010 fundraising event for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Los Angeles. He also pointed to the singer’s concert in Tel Aviv in 2022.
According to Sudarnoto, this history conflicts with Indonesia’s support for the Palestinian cause. He also criticized what he described as support from relevant ministries for Bocelli’s planned visit.
Furthermore, Sudarnoto argued that potential economic benefits should not outweigh Indonesia’s commitment to opposing oppression against Palestinians.
“Do not give a platform to anyone who has helped fund the killing of civilians in Gaza and Palestine,” he said.
The two cases highlight growing debate over international entertainment events in Indonesia amid tensions surrounding Israel and Palestine. However, the situations remain distinct. Authorities have announced the decision concerning Houghton’s visa, while MUI’s demand to cancel Bocelli’s concert remains a separate call.
