JAKARTA — The Directorate General of Immigration will reject visa applications for American gospel musician Israel Houghton and his group, Israel & New Breed, effectively canceling their planned concert in Indonesia.
Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko stated that the entry ban was enacted after reviewing Houghton’s public stance in support of Israel, designating the musician as a subject of interest.
Key policy enforcement directives surrounding the decision include:
- Visa Application Denial: The Directorate General of Immigration confirmed all visa entries for Israel Houghton and Israel & New Breed will be formally denied.
- Subject of Interest Classification: Houghton has been placed on immigration watchlist protocols due to political alignment concerns.
- Cabinet-Level Directives: Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction Yusril Ihza Mahendra reaffirmed that the government will not grant permits for the performance.
Immigration authorities reiterated that national border controls and visa issuance procedures strictly align with foreign policy principles and public interest evaluations.
