Coldplay Indonesia Concert Sparked Protests Because Of Band's LGBTQ Support

Earlier this year The 1975 vocalist Matty Healy enraged the Malaysian government when he condemned the country's oppressive LGBTQ+ policies during a performance in the country. This prompted the country to ban the band from ever performing there again.

Now, Coldplay, a band known for their support of the LGBTQ+ community will be performing in Indonesia, a similar devout Muslim country, on Nov. 15, 2023, at the Gelora Bung Karno stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Days before their arrival, an angry mob of conservative Muslims are protesting their presence in the country.

Coldplay Indonesia Concert Protest Updates

Notably, the Grammy-winning band Coldplay is known for integrating their advocacies into their concerts. Very recently, they started pushing for environmental efforts to mobilize their fans.

Aside from this, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is known for wearing rainbow colors and even waving the rainbow flag during concerts, a symbol representing the LGBTQ+ community.

Indonesia, a widely-known conservative Muslim country, is notoriously known for its oppressive policies against the marginalized community.

Days before the band's concert in the country, hundreds of conservative Muslims stormed Jakarta, protesting the concert. (via The Associated Press)

Signs and banners saying "We reject Coldplay" in their local writing can be seen.

"We are here for the sake of guarding our young generation in this country from efforts that could corrupt youth," one of the protesters said. "As Indonesian Muslims, we have to reject the Coldplay concert."

What Would The Protesters Do If Coldplay Continues in Indonesia?

Speaking to The Associated Press, protest coordinator Novel Bamukin said that if the concert was not canceled, they would be forced to confront the band at the airport.

"Coldplay has long been a strong supporter of LGBT and its lead singer is an atheist," Bamukmin declared. "We must reject their campaign, their concert here."

Meanwhile, the government assured that the concert would push through. Indonesia's Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno said "there would be no disruptions to the concert."

"We will make sure there are no threats coming from any group," Uno affirmed.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ulema Council, which is known as Indonesia's most influential Islamic unit, implored the tour promoters to ensure that no LGBTQ-themed acts or messages should be displayed during the concert.

After Indonesia, the band will head to Australia for a two-day concert, before heading to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, another devout Muslim country.

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