{
  "id": 15113352,
  "title": "Shunned in the West, Ye hands Indonesia a rare mega-tour coup",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/shunned-in-the-west-ye-hands-indonesia-a-rare-mega-tour-coup",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T04:00:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3371180/shunned-west-ye-hands-indonesia-rare-mega-tour-coup"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, is hosting a rare international music event next weekend, when controversial rapper Ye is set to perform. The American musician, formerly known as Kanye West, is making his only Southeast Asian appearance on tour at the country’s largest stadium, Gelora Bung Karno, which can hold approximately 77,000 people. The promoter, Raw Vision Collective, anticipates over 15,000 international attendees, with 52.8 per cent of ticket purchases coming from foreign buyers.\n\nDespite concerns about Ye’s past controversies, including antisemitic remarks and cancelled shows due to safety issues, the promoter sees this as an opportunity to strengthen Southeast Asia’s live-entertainment ecosystem. With a large domestic audience and a vibrant creative scene, officials believe the concert will generate economic benefits across various sectors. Jakarta’s Governor, Pramono Anung, expressed full support for the event, hoping it will help put Indonesia back on the global music stage.\n\nHowever, the choice of Ye has raised questions about whether he is the right act to boost Indonesia’s international reputation. Past attempts to bring foreign artists to Indonesia have faced obstacles, such as the 2012 Lady Gaga concert cancelled due to objections from the Islamic Defenders Front. In 2024, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga each chose Singapore as their only Southeast Asian stop, skipping Indonesia altogether. Raw Vision Collective hopes that by capitalizing on the situation and taking advantage of Ye’s current tour, they can showcase Indonesia’s capabilities to the world.",
  "summary": "Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga each chose Singapore as their only Southeast Asian stop on recent world tours. Fellow American singer Olivia Rodrigo played Thailand and the Philippines, but likewise skipped Indonesia. Next weekend, however, Jakarta is finally getting the big international headline act it has been craving – in the form of Ye. The controversial American rapper, formerly known as Kanye…",
  "key_points": [
    "Controversial rapper Ye performs in Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno stadium.",
    "Over 15,000 international attendees expected, 52.8% foreign buyers.",
    "Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung supports the event for economic benefits."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Capitalizing on Ye's controversial tour allows Jakarta to bypass regional competition and position itself as a viable destination for massive international live entertainment events despite previous cultural obstacles.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Antara News Indonesia",
        "title": "Indonesia eyes export expansion in six West African nations",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/indonesia-eyes-export-expansion-in-six-west-african-nations",
        "published": "2026-10-17T05:45:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}