Bocelli Speaks Fondly of Indonesian Audiences Ahead of Concert

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli recalls Indonesian audiences as warm, attentive, and deeply appreciative of music. A memory that fuels his enthusiasm to return to Indonesia as part of the concert series marking the 30th anniversary of his landmark album Romanza.

Bocelli is scheduled to perform at the Borobudur Temple complex in Central Java on October 31, 2026, followed by a concert at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, on November 3, 2026. The singer, known for hits such as “Con te partirò,” last performed in Jakarta in 2011.

“I have met the Indonesian public in person, and the memory that remains is that they are a very warm, attentive audience that deeply appreciates music,” Bocelli said during a virtual press conference from Jakarta on Saturday, September 12, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He hopes to receive a similarly warm welcome during his upcoming performances. “I hold very beautiful memories of your country,” he said when explaining his decision to return to Indonesia.

Indonesia is the only Southeast Asian country included in Bocelli’s Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour, originally released in 1997. He noted that while the choice of Indonesia was proposed by his management agency, he fully supported the decision. “The choice of this location was proposed by my management agency. However, it is a decision I fully agreed with and am happy to carry out,” he said.

Although he has not yet learned Indonesian and is unfamiliar with Indonesian songs, Bocelli said he is committed to delivering his best performance for the audience.

One of the moments he most looks forward to is performing at the Borobudur Temple complex. He welcomes the opportunity to blend classical music with one of Indonesia’s most iconic cultural heritage sites. “I hope and believe that the fusion of fine music and the beauty of this historic site will come together perfectly,” he said.

Bocelli’s appearance at Borobudur aims to unite world‑class classical music with Indonesia’s landscapes and cultural heritage, offering audiences a unique experience while showcasing Borobudur to the international community through a global‑scale musical performance.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana previously said Bocelli’s presence is significant for strengthening Indonesia’s global image. According to her, the concert brings together world‑class music with the richness of Indonesia’s destinations, culture, and heritage.

“For us at the Ministry of Tourism, Andrea Bocelli’s presence in Indonesia holds special significance,” she said during the press conference at JIExpo Kemayoran on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Minister Widiyanti noted that Borobudur holds a vital position as one of Indonesia’s Priority Tourism Destinations and a cultural heritage site that has become a global icon. Meanwhile, Jakarta represents the modern, multicultural, and dynamic face of Indonesia--a city open to hosting international performances.

“These two locations convey a clear message: Indonesia offers a diverse wealth of experiences. We possess strong heritage destinations alongside modern cities capable of hosting world‑class events,” she said.

The Bocelli concerts are also expected to generate a significant economic impact. The Borobudur performance aims to attract around 7,000 spectators, while the JIExpo concert is expected to draw around 9,000 attendees. In total, the concert series is projected to generate an economic impact of USD 44 million (approximately IDR 792 billion).

The government is providing various forms of support to ensure smooth execution, including visa facilitation for the artists and streamlined entry permits for logistical needs.

The Ministry of Tourism is also supporting a “Free Add‑on Tickets” program in collaboration with Garuda Indonesia, offering free round‑trip domestic flights to Yogyakarta for international tourists who meet the program’s requirements. The government is also working with travel agencies and tour operators to offer tour packages around Borobudur.

This initiative is expected to encourage audiences--particularly international tourists--not only to attend the Bocelli concert but also to extend their stay and explore destinations in Borobudur and Central Java.

For Bocelli, however, Indonesia is more than just another stop on his world tour. Fond memories of warm and appreciative Indonesian audiences continue to inspire his return.

Through two concerts in Borobudur and Jakarta, Bocelli will reunite with Indonesian audiences after 15 years, bringing the celebration of Romanza’s three‑decade milestone to a country that has left a lasting impression on his musical journey. ***