Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli has responded to calls for his upcoming concerts in Indonesia to be cancelled, insisting that his performances are intended to celebrate music and humanity rather than promote any political agenda.
The statement comes after the Indonesian Ulema Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia, or MUI) urged the government to cancel the singer’s planned performances, citing concerns about his alleged links to activities supporting the Israeli military.
Bocelli is scheduled to perform at Borobudur Temple in Central Java on 31 October 2026, followed by a concert in Jakarta on 3 November. Both events have come under scrutiny as the controversy over his past activities intensifies.
Andrea Bocelli Says Concerts Are Not Political
In a written statement released on 13 October, Bocelli said his participation in the Indonesian concerts was motivated by artistic expression and shared humanity.
“My participation is solely motivated by art and the shared sense of humanity we have,” the singer said, as reported by Akurat.
He expressed hope that audiences in Indonesia would be able to enjoy his performances regardless of their religious backgrounds or political views.
Bocelli also addressed concerns that the concerts could be used to raise money for political or military interests. He clarified that neither event was intended to serve that purpose.
“There are no plans to raise funds to support political or military interests related to these concerts. Nor is any income from these concerts intended for such purposes,” he said.
The renowned tenor also responded to scrutiny over one of his previous performances, reiterating that his intention throughout his career had been to share music with audiences.
Bocelli added that he had consistently sought to distance himself from politics and political affiliations, explaining that these matters required a depth of understanding he did not claim to possess.
Why Is MUI Calling for Andrea Bocelli’s Concerts to Be Cancelled?
MUI’s objections centre on what it describes as Bocelli’s past association with activities supporting Israel.
According to the council, the singer was involved in a fundraising event for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in Los Angeles in 2010. He also performed in Tel Aviv in 2022.
MUI’s international relations chairman, Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, argued that the government should maintain a consistent position against events involving figures perceived to support Zionism.
The council’s demand follows the government’s cancellation of a planned concert by American musician Israel Houghton and his group, Israel & New Breed.
Sudarnoto said Indonesia should uphold its constitutional and historical opposition to colonialism and its support for Palestinian independence. He argued that allowing Bocelli’s concerts to proceed would conflict with these principles.
MUI also criticised what it described as possible support for the concerts from relevant government ministries, including those responsible for tourism and culture.
The council maintained that economic benefits should not take precedence over humanitarian considerations, particularly amid the ongoing situation in Gaza.
Its position is also consistent with its religious ruling against supporting Israel or parties that support Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.
Will Andrea Bocelli’s Indonesia Concerts Go Ahead?
As of 13 October 2026, Bocelli’s concerts remain scheduled for 31 October at Borobudur Temple and 3 November in Jakarta, according to the available reports.
His statement clarifies his stated intentions for the performances, but it does not resolve the concerns raised by MUI over his past activities.
The controversy places the planned concerts at the intersection of cultural events, public opinion and Indonesia’s support for Palestine.
While Bocelli has emphasised music as the central purpose of his visit, MUI continues to urge the government to take a firm position on the matter.
Whether the performances will proceed as planned remains a key question as the scheduled dates approach.
