Bruno Mars Concert In Jakarta Threatened with Boycott Over Gaza
Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno has urged the public to stay calm as calls grow to boycott American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars’ upcoming Jakarta concert over his alleged support for Israel in the Gaza war. Criticism against Mars has been amplified by social media posts shared as evidence of the United States musician backing the Israeli military campaign against militant group Hamas, a conflict that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of civilians. While Sandiaga reiterated Indonesia’s unwavering support for an independent Palestine, he said the concert should be seen as an issue separate from maintaining the country’s position on the global stage. “We must not let personal or political views affect our creative economy,” Sandiaga told reporters on Monday. “We are a democratic country,” the minister continued, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Indonesia’s “free and active foreign policy position”. “Just like Coldplay before, we have given all [necessary] explanations,” he added, referring to the British group’s November 2023 concert in Jakarta.
