KUALA LUMPUR – The brouhaha over Coldplay’s concerts this year has spilled into Indonesia after hardline Persaudaraan Alumni 212 (PA 212) opposed the band coming to Jakarta, citing the band’s support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
However, government party Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa chairman Muhaimin Iskandar welcomes the band, as its music is not about LGBT values and not against any religion, reported detik.com.
“The substance of their songs is not about LGBT. Music is neutral, and we must regard Coldplay as a positive inspiration. I fully support Coldplay to come here,” he said over the weekend.
He added that there is no problem with the Coldplay concert being held during the campaign period on November 15. Indonesia is expected to hold a general election in February 2024.
“No problem. There is no problem, because we have a smooth election process. We are ready to take care of it and ready to make it a success.”
Muhaimin also said Indonesians are enthusiastic about Coldplay’s concert and even enjoy the band’s music on YouTube.
Previously, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno said the concert promoter is prepared for the event with the necessary safety and security procedures.
“We are very grateful that Indonesia is one of the four (Asian) countries chosen to host the Coldplay concert.”
Earlier, PA 212 called for the cancellation of Coldplay’s concert, warning that it is ready to stage a massive protest if the event took place.
It added that it would be similar to what hardline groups did in 2012 in opposing Lady Gaga’s concert, which led to its cancellation due to safety issues.
Meanwhile, the Jakarta Metro Police reiterated their preparedness ahead of the concert and warned PA 212 against bringing politics to the event.
In Malaysia, PAS central working committee member Nasrudin Hassan called on the government to cancel Coldplay’s concert, scheduled for November 22 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Nasrudin, a former MP, said Coldplay’s concert would promote “hedonistic and deviant values”.
His comments later invited fierce backlash from government lawmakers and music fans. – The Vibes, May 22, 2023
