Indonesian Lawmakers and MUI Urge Cancellation of Andrea Bocelli Concert

Jakarta, MINA – An Indonesian lawmaker and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) have urged the government to cancel Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli’s upcoming concert, citing his reported past involvement in a fundraising event organized by a group supporting Israeli soldiers.

Mardani Ali Sera, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Parliamentary Caucus for World Peace, made the call on Thursday during a meeting with MUI representatives and civil society organizations at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta.

“We firmly reject Andrea Bocelli’s concert because of his involvement in supporting Israel,” Mardani said, as quoted by MINA.

He argued that allowing the performance would conflict with Indonesia’s constitutional commitment to oppose colonialism. He referred to records indicating that Bocelli participated in a 2010 fundraising event organized by the Friends of Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), an organization that supports Israeli soldiers.

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Mardani proposed that the government either revoke the concert permit or ask Bocelli to issue a formal statement clarifying his position on the matter, including support for Palestinian independence, before proceeding with the performance.

MUI also expressed disappointment over the government’s decision to issue a permit for the concert. Prof. Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, head of the council’s foreign relations division, called on the National Police chief to review and revoke the authorization.

Sudarnoto said the objection was not related to Bocelli’s musical ability but to what MUI considers digital evidence of his participation in the 2010 fundraising event. He warned that disregarding public concerns could lead to wider demonstrations.

Although the concert promoter has confirmed that the “Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour” will proceed as scheduled, MUI has encouraged supporters to express their opposition through peaceful actions. These include displaying Indonesian and Palestinian flags at half-mast side by side and putting up banners at strategic locations.

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The controversy comes amid Indonesia’s longstanding support for Palestinian statehood and its opposition to colonialism, a position reflected in the country’s foreign policy and public statements by its leaders.

President Prabowo Subianto has reiterated Indonesia’s support for Palestine on several occasions. In 2025, he said Indonesia would only consider recognizing Israel if it first recognized a Palestinian state.

The dispute has raised questions about the relationship between Indonesia’s diplomatic position on Palestine and the government’s handling of cultural events involving individuals whose past activities have drawn criticism from pro-Palestinian groups.

The National Police have yet to announce whether they will reconsider the concert permit, while the promoter maintains that the event will go ahead as planned.[]

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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)