Jakarta. The Indonesian government said Monday it will not allow American gospel singer Israel Houghton and his band Israel & New Breed to perform in Jakarta later this month, citing domestic security concerns and controversy surrounding the artist's public support for Israel.

Houghton and Israel & New Breed had been scheduled to perform at The Music Hall at Grha Pengharapan Building in Jakarta on Oct. 24 as part of their 'Til The Whole World Knows Tour 2026. Tickets were still being offered online as of Monday.

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the government reached its decision after consulting several ministries and state agencies.

“This follows our coordination with several ministries, institutions and relevant agencies regarding the planned 'Til The Whole World Knows Tour,” Yusril told a news conference in Jakarta.

He said the planned performance had attracted public attention in Indonesia and generated controversy in neighboring Malaysia, prompting the government to consider potential security implications.

The government is also concerned about reports that Houghton's performances or public activities have included expressions of support for Israel, Yusril said.

According to Yusril, authorities had received information that the phrase “I stand with Israel” had been expressed in connection with the artist's activities abroad. He said such political messaging would be sensitive in Indonesia because of the country's longstanding support for Palestinian independence.

The issue has also generated opposition in Malaysia. Islamic organizations in Sabah recently objected to Houghton's planned Oct. 22 concert in Kota Kinabalu, citing what they described as his publicly expressed support for Israel. Malaysian reports cited a social-media post attributed to Houghton that included the statement “I stand with Israel.”

Yusril stressed that the Indonesian government's decision was not based on Houghton's Christian faith or the religious nature of his music.

“We do not ban musical performances, nor do we take issue with someone's religion. People are welcome to hold religious activities here,” Yusril said.

“But if there is a political motive that undermines the Palestinian people's struggle, then that is inconsistent with the views and aspirations of our society.”

Indonesia has long supported the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.

No Permit or Visa Application Filed
Yusril said organizers had not yet submitted an application for permission to hold the Jakarta concert, while Houghton had not applied for the visa required for the performance.

“If an application is submitted to hold the performance and an application for a visa is also made, neither the performance permit nor the visa will be granted,” Yusril said.

Despite the absence of those approvals, tickets for the Oct. 24 performance remained available through online ticketing platforms.

A listing on Megatix advertised tickets ranging from Rp 300,000 to Rp 950,000 for the Jakarta show.

Yusril said authorities had attempted to identify the local organizer but instead found that the event was being handled by Banyak Bagus Entertainment, an event organizer based in Kuala Lumpur.

“We tried to find the sponsor of this event but could not find one in Jakarta,” he said. “What we found was that the event is sponsored by an event organizer called Banyak Bagus Entertainment, which is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.”

With the government making clear that permission will not be granted, Yusril called on ticketing platforms to stop selling tickets and refund customers who have already made purchases.

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