JAKARTA, Indonesia — In a display of rising conservative sentiment, over 200 conservative Muslims took to the streets of Indonesia’s capital on Wednesday. Their target was the British band Coldplay, scheduled to perform that evening. The reason for their protest? The band’s vocal support for the LGBTQ community.
The demonstrators, who convened about a kilometer from Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno stadium, where Coldplay was set to perform, wielded a significant banner. It called for the outright cancellation of the concert, branding Coldplay as LGBTQ “propagandists” and accusing their stance of undermining “faith and morals.”
History of Tolerance Meets Modern Challenges
Indonesia, known for its secular governance and a long tradition of religious tolerance, is witnessing a shift. A small yet increasingly vocal extremist fringe is challenging this narrative, as evidenced by the recent protest. This shift is part of a larger trend in the region, where issues related to LGBTQ rights are sparking controversy.
Coldplay’s Values and Previous Incidents
Coldplay is no stranger to incorporating its values into performances. The band, led by Chris Martin, frequently integrates environmental sustainability messages into its shows. Martin is known for his symbolic use of rainbow colors and the waving of gay pride flags during performances.
The protests in Jakarta are not isolated incidents. Earlier this year, British pop rock band The 1975 had to cancel its Jakarta and Taipei shows. This followed a truncated music festival in Malaysia after the band’s lead singer criticized the country’s anti-gay laws. In 2012, Lady Gaga canceled a sold-out show in Indonesia, citing security concerns after threats from Muslim hard-liners.
The Significance of Jakarta for Coldplay
The Asian leg of Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres World Tour” prominently features the Jakarta concert. This event is significant, as more than 70,000 tickets were sold in less than two hours – a testament to the band’s popularity in the region. Jakarta ranks as one of Coldplay’s top streaming hubs globally, with a dedicated fan base of 1.6 million in the city alone.
The unfolding events in Jakarta reflect a complex interplay of cultural values, artistic expression, and rising conservative voices, underscoring the challenges faced by international artists in navigating diverse global landscapes.
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