Protestors claim Coldplay’s pro-LGBTQ+ stance conflicts with the “morals” of Indonesia
Hundreds of conservative protestors gathered outside of Coldplay’s concert in Jakarta on November 15th to call for the cancellation of the show due to the band’s pro-LGBTQ+ stance.
During Coldplay shows, frontman Chris Martin often drapes himself in pride flags, and the group make a point to make their performances inclusive affairs. However, their progressive views caused 300 people from conservative Muslim groups to march to the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, where they clashed with riot police.
Signs held by the protesters include one which read: “Reject, cancel and disband Coldplay concerts”. Meanwhile, another claimed Coldplay playing Indonesia was a conflict of interest with the “faith and morals” of the region.
Prior to the show, these groups had also made their voice known outside of the British Embassy earlier in the week. In anticipation of the protests outside the venue, thousands of security officials were positioned nearby as they did not have lawful permission to rally against the concert.
Anwar Abbas, deputy chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council, said: “We know that Coldplay supports LGBT+, but now the question is, is the LGBT+ behaviour in line with… our constitution? There are six religions recognised in this country, and not one of them allows and tolerates LGBT+ practice.”
The performance marked Coldplay’s first show in Indonesia. While the band have not yet commented on the protests, they described the concert as the “best night ever” and promised to return to the country in the future.
Earlier this year, The 1975 cancelled scheduled performances in Taiwan and Indonesia due to the LGBTQ+ policies in the countries. Band members Matty Healy and Ross MacDonald previously shared a kiss on stage in Malaysia, which is also anti-LGBTQ+, which led to them being “briefly imprisoned” following the incident.
Before the act took place, Healy told the crowd: “When we were booking shows, I wasn’t looking into it. I don’t see the fucking point, right? I do not see the point of inviting the 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with.”
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