Indonesia Bans US Gospel Singer Israel Houghton’s Jakarta Concert (Worthy News Investigation)

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

JAKARTA/UBUD, INDONESIA (Worthy News) – The Indonesian government has banned the scheduled concert by American Gospel singer Israel Houghton and his band, Israel & New Breed, which was set to take place in Jakarta on October 24, citing security concerns and his perceived support for Israel.

Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Indonesia’s coordinating minister for law, human rights, immigration and correctional affairs, said the decision followed consultations with several ministries, institutions and government agencies over the planned “Til the Whole World Knows Tour 2026” performance.

He said authorities became concerned after the Gospel concert attracted attention among segments of Indonesia’s population and sparked controversy in neighboring Malaysia.

Officials were “concerned” that similar Gospel concerts elsewhere had been used as platforms for political campaigning in support of Israel, including expressions of the sentiment “I stand with Israel,” Mahendra explained.

ISRAEL SUPPORT

Mahendra said such statements were sensitive because they conflicted with Indonesia’s foreign policy and longstanding support for Palestinian independence.

“We do not ban music performances, nor do we take issue with anyone’s religion. People are welcome to hold religious activities here,” Mahendra said.

“However, if there are political motives that undermine the Palestinian people’s struggle, then that is inconsistent with the views and aspirations of our own society,” he added.

Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, has no diplomatic relations with Israel and has long backed the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

VISA REFUSED

Indonesian immigration authorities subsequently went further, saying Houghton would not receive a visa if he applied to enter the country for the performance.

Immigration Director-General Hendarsam Marantoko said that as of October 5, authorities had received no visa application from Houghton. However, he confirmed that the Gospel singer had previously been granted an Indonesian performance visa in January 2026.

“This time, considering his track record of support for Israel, we place the interests of the Indonesian people, social harmony, and national security as our primary considerations,” Hendarsam said.

Authorities have also placed Houghton’s name on a “subject of interest” list for immigration monitoring. Hendarsam said that following consultations with Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs, immigration officials had decided that any visa application from the singer would be rejected.

GOSPEL STAR

Houghton, 55, is one of the better-known figures in modern American Christian music and has performed with Israel & New Breed for audiences around the world. He has won eight Grammy Awards during a career spanning more than three decades.

Israel & New Breed has also received several Grammys, most recently in 2026 for the album Coritos Vol. 1. Houghton founded New Breed Ministries in 1995 and became known for combining traditional Gospel and worship music with jazz, rock and Latin influences.

The group’s songs, including “Friend of God,” “You Are Good” and “Jesus at the Center,” have been sung in churches internationally, helping establish Houghton as an influential figure in contemporary Christian worship.

Neither Houghton nor Israel & New Breed immediately responded to the Indonesian government’s decision by early Wednesday.

IMMIGRATION WATCH

Officials described the immigration move as part of Indonesia’s “selective policy,” under which the government determines which foreigners may enter the country based on national interests.

“For us, a visa is not merely an administrative matter,” Hendarsam said, adding that the state had the right to determine who could enter Indonesian territory.

Mahendra said that when authorities investigated the planned Jakarta concert, organizers had not submitted an application for a performance permit and Houghton had not applied for the necessary visa.

Despite the absence of government authorization, tickets for the concert at Grha Pengharapan in Jakarta were still being offered through online ticketing platforms.

TICKET REFUNDS

Mahendra said authorities tried to identify a Jakarta-based sponsor but instead found that the event was being organized by Kuala Lumpur-based Banyak Bagus Entertainment.

With the government refusing authorization, Mahendra said ticketing agents should halt sales or provide refunds to people who had already purchased tickets.

Indonesian authorities have stressed, however, that the decision does not amount to a prohibition on Christian worship or Gospel music.

Yet the decision underscored concerns among Indonesian Christians about anti-Israel sentiment in the country.

“We have seen calls to ban Israeli products and businesses. That is crazy,” Victoria, a church worker in Sumatra, told Worthy News. “People don’t realize what a positive influence Israel has on society.”