MUI rejects Andrea Bocelli concert, cites risk of unrest
MUI says an akbar tabligh near Borobudur is being discussed for the same time, with protests possible before 31 October and 3 November.
The Indonesian Ulema Council has rejected plans for an Andrea Bocelli concert in Indonesia and warned of possible friction in society. MUI head of foreign relations and international cooperation Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim said the rejection stems from Bocelli's record, including his 2010 appearance at a fundraising event, The Friends of IDF, which was said to support Israel's military. MUI said this conflicts with the council's fatwa and could hurt members of the public who support Palestine. Sudarnoto also said there have been talks about holding a tabligh akbar near Borobudur Temple at the same time as the concert, as well as proposals for demonstrations ahead of 31 October and 3 November. Meanwhile, Yusril Ihza Mahendra said handling the issue falls under Kemenko Polkam.