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Indonesia has announced that it will not allow a planned concert by US gospel singer Israel Houghton, citing his statements in support of the Israel regime and concerns over the event’s compatibility with the country’s foreign policy supporting the Palestinian cause.
The Indonesian government said the concert, scheduled to be held in Jakarta on October 24, would not receive permission.
Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections, said the decision was taken after assessing the event’s potential impact on domestic security and its alignment with Indonesia’s position on Palestine.
Yusril stated that the planned concert by Houghton and his group Israel & New Breed was inconsistent with Indonesia’s foreign policy and its support for the Palestinian people’s struggle for independence.
He added that the organisers had not submitted an official permit application for the concert and that no visa application had been filed for Houghton to enter Indonesia for the event.
Houghton’s statement considered
Indonesian authorities said Houghton’s previous public statements were among the factors considered in the decision.
Houghton had posted on social media on October 8, 2023, saying, “I stand with Israel,” while expressing support for Israel.
Officials said such statements were taken into account due to the political sensitivity surrounding the planned event.
The Indonesian government also stated that the decision was not related to Houghton’s religious background or music activities, but rather concerns that the event could be used for political purposes inconsistent with Indonesia’s foreign policy.
Concert permit will not be approved
The concert was initially planned to be held in Jakarta before being moved to another venue.
However, authorities said no official permit request had been submitted by the organisers and that any future application for the event would not be approved.
Indonesia has long maintained support for Palestinian rights and has repeatedly called for an end to attacks targeting civilians in Gaza.(ILKHA)
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