Protest Against Coldplay Concert in Indonesia... What Is the Reason?

Coldplay Scheduled to Perform in Jakarta on the 15th
"Supporting LGBTQ+" Cited as Reason for Muslim Opposition to the Concert

Conservative Islamic groups in Indonesia held protests against the upcoming Jakarta concert of the British four-member rock band Coldplay scheduled for the 15th.

According to Antara News and others on the 12th (local time), about 100 members of the conservative Muslim group 'PA212' gathered in downtown Jakarta on the 10th to protest and demand the cancellation of Coldplay's concert planned for the 15th in Jakarta. Holding placards and banners, they chanted slogans such as "We reject Coldplay" and "Allah is great" as they marched to the British Embassy in Indonesia.

On the 10th (local time), Muslims held a protest against the British band Coldplay's concert in front of the British Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.
[Photo by AP Yonhap News]

They argue that Coldplay's performance is provocative and that their support for LGBTQ+ rights undermines Indonesia's morality and risks corrupting the youth, demanding the concert be canceled.

Coldplay is known for supporting progressive values, including LGBTQ+ rights. During their performances, they wear rainbow-colored clothes symbolizing LGBTQ+ pride and wave rainbow-patterned 'Pride flags.'

"Thousands to Gather at Airport if Concert Proceeds" Warning Issued

PA212 is a group advocating Islamic orthodoxy and conservatism. They have sometimes led violent protests and have been criticized for extremism.

Nobel Bamukmin, Secretary-General of PA212, said, "Coldplay has long strongly supported LGBTQ+ rights, and their leader is an atheist," adding, "We must reject their campaign and concert." He also warned, "If the government does not cancel the concert, band members will face thousands of protesters at the airport."

On July 5th (local time), Coldplay's vocalist Chris Martin is performing at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark.
[Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

In response, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the highest Islamic decision-making body in Indonesia, requested the concert organizer and the British Embassy to ensure that Coldplay does not present any actions or messages centered on LGBTQ+ themes during their Jakarta performance. It is unknown whether the concert organizer or the band has agreed to this request.

Previous Cancellations of Lady Gaga and The 1975 Concerts

Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. While homosexuality is not criminalized, it is taboo. Controversies surrounding overseas pop star concerts have occurred in Indonesia before.

In 2012, when pop star Lady Gaga planned to perform in Jakarta, conservative Islamic groups fiercely opposed her, calling her a "messenger of the devil" for allegedly promoting homosexuality and Satanism. Ultimately, local police canceled the concert citing security concerns. Additionally, in July, the British band The 1975's Jakarta concert was also canceled. Prior to their Jakarta show, they performed at a music festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where they strongly criticized the Malaysian government's anti-LGBTQ+ policies and staged a kiss between male members, sparking significant controversy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.