Several performers and tenants withdrew as controversy followed Raffi Ahmad’s Youth Pledge appearance.
RANS Carnival Jogja went ahead in Sleman despite a wave of withdrawals and online boycott calls, turning the entertainment festival into a wider debate over artists, public figures, and responses to Indonesia’s political climate.
Musicians Withdraw Before Festival
Tipe-X, Guyon Waton, OM Wawes, and Masdddho withdrew from RANS Carnival Jogja ahead of the October 31 to November 1 festival at the Maguwoharjo Stadium parking area in Sleman, Yogyakarta. Suara.com reported that the musicians cited the developing social situation, public sentiment, and consideration for their audiences when explaining their decisions. Several food festival tenants also withdrew, according to IDNFinancials.
Controversy Follows Youth Pledge Event
The withdrawals followed public criticism of Raffi Ahmad’s attendance at a Youth Pledge declaration organized by Jakarta’s Metropolitan Police near Bundaran HI on October 29. The event took place a day after student demonstrations, prompting accusations that it was intended to counter those protests. Controversy also emerged over allegations that some participants were paid and wore university attire without authorization. At least one participant subsequently acknowledged being paid and not being a student at the university whose jacket he wore, while police said they were investigating allegations involving participants’ identities. Raffi Ahmad denied involvement in organizing the event.
Raffi Ahmad Says He Was Invited
Raffi, who also serves as Indonesia’s Presidential Special Envoy for Youth Development and Arts Workers, said he attended the declaration as an invited guest and was not involved in organizing the program or determining who participated. He also said he respected those who voiced their aspirations and acknowledged the importance of students expressing their views.
RANS Carnival Continues With Simpler Concept
Despite the withdrawals, organizers proceeded with RANS Carnival, saying the event was intended to support artists, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), collaboration, and economic activity. Management said the festival would continue with a simpler concept given the circumstances. IDNFinancials described attendance on the opening day as sparse, contrasting it with previous editions in West Bandung, Malang, Makassar, and Bekasi that had attracted tens of thousands of visitors over their respective events.
Carnival Has Business Importance for RANS
The controversy also carries a business dimension because RANS Carnival is part of RANS Entertainment’s recurring event activities. IDNFinancials reported that previous carnivals contributed to the company’s experiential entertainment business, while subsidiary PT Rans Kekinian Indonesia distributed Rp17.8 billion in dividends to RANS in March 2026. RANS reported Rp243.7 billion in revenue through September 2026, up 5.07% year on year, with entertainment and lifestyle businesses providing most of that revenue.
The RANS Carnival controversy shows how rapidly public sentiment surrounding a prominent figure can affect performers, vendors, attendance, and commercial events. For Indonesians, the episode highlights the intersection between entertainment, public expression, and corporate reputation. For Singaporeans following Indonesia’s media and entertainment sector, it also demonstrates how social and political controversy can quickly create operational and reputational consequences for consumer-facing businesses.
Sources: IDN Financials (2026) , Suara (2026)
Keywords: RANS Carnival Jogja, Raffi Ahmad, RANS Entertainment, Musician Withdrawals, Public Boycott, Yogyakarta Festival
