Conservative Muslims Protest Coldplay's Indonesia Concert over Band's LGBTQ+ Support, Threatening Disruptions Despite Government Assurance

Persistent Tensions Between Modern Music and Conservative Values in Indonesia Highlighted as Coldplay Concert Faces Opposition Amid History of Similar Incidents with Lady Gaga, The 1975

• About 100 conservative Muslims protested outside the British embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia against an upcoming Coldplay concert, expressing concerns over the band's support for the LGBTQ+ community and lead singer Chris Martin's 'atheist' beliefs.
• The protesters, organized by the Islamist group, the 212 Brotherhood Alumni, called for the cancellation of the show, scheduled for the Gelora Bung Karno stadium, where 70,000 tickets have been sold.
• The Indonesian Ulema Council asked the show's promoters, PK Entertainment, to ensure the band refrains from any LGBTQ-themed acts or messaging during the concert; however, the country's tourism and creative economy minister assured the show would proceed as planned.
• The protesters have threatened that, if the concert is not cancelled, thousands will confront the band on its arrival at the airport.
• This incident echoes past events where multiple artists, including Lady Gaga and The 1975, faced backlash and even cancelled concerts in Indonesia and neighbouring countries due to protests over their support for LGBTQ+ rights.

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