Indonesia's Foreign Policy, Security Behind Israel Houghton's Ban
Indonesia’s Foreign Policy, Security Behind Israel Houghton’s Ban
Reporter
October 7, 2026 | 09:48 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government’s decision to withhold permits and visas for American gospel musician Israel Houghton and his group, Israel & New Breed, centers on foreign policy alignment, domestic security, and strict immigration regulations. The scheduled performance, part of the ‘Til The Whole World Knows Tour 2026,’ was set for October 24, 2026, at Graha Pengharapan in Jakarta.
Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, explained that the government acted after evaluating domestic security concerns alongside Indonesia’s official diplomatic support for the Palestinian cause.
“We believe that any activity with the potential to be exploited to harm the struggle of the Palestinian people will not be allowed to take place in Indonesia,” Yusril said in a written statement released on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
He noted that the government took into account a public statement made by Israel Houghton in October 2023, during which he declared, “I stand with Israel.” However, Yusril clarified that the government is not challenging Houghton’s religious beliefs or opposing his background as a gospel singer.
“What concerns the government is ensuring that no activity in Indonesia is exploited for political propaganda that contradicts Indonesia’s foreign policy and its commitment to supporting the struggle of the Palestinian people,” he said.
Yusril added that he had coordinated with the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, the Ministry of Culture, and the Indonesian National Police. He noted that the police, through the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, confirmed the performance would not receive authorization due to public order and security considerations.
“Thus, from a licensing standpoint, the performance will not receive police permission,” Yusril stated. “The government must certainly consider the broader situation regarding public security and order.”
However, Yusril revealed that no official permit application for the event has been submitted to the police to date. He expressed surprise at the situation, given that tickets had already been offered online.
Yusril also assured that Israel Houghton has not submitted a visa application to enter Indonesia for the event. “If such an application is submitted for the purpose of performing, we will not issue the visa because the concert itself lacks police permit,” he stated.
Furthermore, Israel Houghton and his band cannot use a visa on arrival to host or perform in a concert. A tourist visit visa cannot be utilized for performance purposes.
Yusril emphasized that the policy is not intended to restrict artistic or musical expression. Instead, it is the government’s measure to safeguard domestic security while ensuring Indonesian territory is not utilized for activities that could disrupt public order or run counter to the commitment to Palestinian independence.
“The government respects the arts and freedom of expression. However, that freedom must be exercised with due regard for security, public order, and Indonesia’s national interests,” he added.
Chairperson of the MUI Fatwa Board Asrorun Niam Sholeh stated that Indonesia’s stance firmly opposes the genocidal actions committed by Zionist Israel. Indonesia, he added, stands against all forms of colonization and remains consistent in its support for a free Palestine.
He noted that one way to show support for Palestine is by severing ties with entities affiliated with pro-Israel causes. He expressed concern that Houghton’s concert could spark provocative actions, potentially causing national instability and public unrest.
“It defiles the nation’s commitment against Zionist Israel and tarnishes our public image in global relations,” he said, as quoted by Detik.com.
Niam insisted that the event must be prevented and banned. This aligns with an MUI fatwa instructing Indonesian Muslims to support Palestine. “The organizers need to be investigated,” Niam said.
On social media, Israel Houghton previously announced on his Instagram account that he would hold a concert tour titled “’Til The Whole World Knows Tour 2026.” He noted plans to perform across Asia and India between October and November 2026. However, his official schedule did not explicitly list a Jakarta venue.
Read: Indonesia Bans Israel Houghton’s Jakarta Concert
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News