A grand stage is being prepared in the Borobudur Temple area of\nMagelang. Lighting, sound, promotion and ticket sales are all part of\npreparations for a concert by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli on 31 October\n2026.<\/p>\n
But before his golden voice has a chance to ring out, controversy has\nalready taken centre stage. Magelang City Police announced on 13 October\nthat it had withdrawn its permit recommendation, while the Central Java\nPolice Chief later denied that the concert permit had been revoked,\nsaying licensing authority rests with National Police headquarters.<\/p>\n
The controversy began with objections from several community groups,\nincluding the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). They questioned Bocelli\u2019s\nalleged links to activities supporting Israel.<\/p>\n
Bocelli was born in Italy on 22 September 1958. He became one of the\nworld\u2019s best-known tenors through a blend of opera and popular\nmusic.<\/p>\n
The songs Con te partir\u00f2 and its duet version with Sarah Brightman,\nTime to Say Goodbye, propelled him to fame. He is also known for The\nPrayer, a duet with Celine Dion, and Vivo per lei.<\/p>\n
These songs are familiar to fans of romantic music and classical\nvocals in Indonesia. Bocelli also performed in Jakarta in 2011, so news\nof his planned return has naturally raised hopes among his fans.<\/p>\n
But popularity does not always guarantee public acceptance. A major\nname makes it all the more important for organisers to consider every\npotential risk carefully.<\/p>\n
The MUI has drawn attention to reports that Bocelli took part in a\n2010 fundraising event in Los Angeles for Friends of the Israel Defense\nForces, and performed in Tel Aviv in 2022.<\/p>\n
The MUI says this record should be taken into account because\nIndonesia consistently opposes colonialism and supports the Palestinian\npeople\u2019s struggle.<\/p>\n
We need to distinguish an artist performing in Israel from evidence\nthat they support its government\u2019s policies. However, alleged\ninvolvement in fundraising for the Israeli military certainly merits\nserious scrutiny before organisers make a decision.<\/p>\n
The entertainment industry often focuses on popularity, ticket prices\nand potential profits. Some promoters, however, may not adequately\naccount for political sensitivities and the humanitarian values held by\nthe public.<\/p>\n
This case is a warning to organisers of concerts, festivals,\nexhibitions and other artistic performances. They need to examine an\nartist\u2019s record before signing a contract, announcing an event or\nselling tickets.<\/p>\n
Imagine a promoter has already paid the artist, hired equipment,\nrecruited workers and put up billboards. If opposition emerges shortly\nbefore the event, cancellation costs can soar, while workers and small\ntraders also bear the consequences.<\/p>\n
Promoters should therefore draw up a risk register at the planning\nstage. It should cover the artist\u2019s record, funding sources,\nsensitivities surrounding the venue, permit certainty, the potential for\nopposition and cancellation scenarios.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/before-the-curtain-rises-1792309835", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }