Lady Gaga's Jakarta concert cancelled, promoters reveal
Jakarta - A concert by US pop star Lady Gaga in Indonesia has been cancelled following protests by hardline Islamic groups, the show's promoters said Sunday.
"We would like to announce regretfully that Lady Gaga's concert for June 3 cannot be held," Minola Sebayang, spokesman for concert promoter Big Daddy Entertainment, said.
Indonesian police earlier this month refused to issue a permit for the concert, citing objections from some Muslim groups who deemed Gaga's stage show to be "pornographic" and incompatible with local culture.
The Islamic Defenders' Front, a small group known for sometimes violent protests, has threatened to mobilize to block the show.
Sebayang said the cancellation was prompted by the controversy.
"Lady Gaga is very concerned and respects the people of Indonesia so she doesn't want anyone to get hurt or fall victim in her show," hesaid.
About 50,000 tickets had been sold for the Jakarta concert at the Bung Karno stadium. The promoter said tickets would be refunded.
Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, is known for her eccentric and risque outfits in videos and on stage.
Religious groups in South Korea, the Philippines and Indonesia protested against the concerts on her Born This Way Ball tour.
The shows in Seoul and Manila went ahead as scheduled.
The announcement in Jakarta came after Indonesian Security Minister Djoko Suyanto waded into the controversy last weekend and called for a compromise so that the concert could go ahead.//DPA
