Lady Gaga cancelled concert in Indonesia after Islamists threaten violence

Lady Gaga cancelled her concert in Indonesia Sunday after promoters stated that the security threat was too serious after Islamic extremists promised "chaos" if she performed.

Promoters attempted to tone down her concert as a compromise, but Lady Gaga's management refused to compromise just to appease religious extremists.

"Lady Gaga's management has considered the situation minute to minute, and with threats if the concert goes ahead, Lady Gaga's side is calling off the concert," Minola Sebayang, lawyer for promoters Big Daddy, told reporters.

"This is not only about Lady Gaga's security, but extends to those who will be watching her."

The flamboyant performer, who has nearly 25 million followers on Twitter — the highest number on the social networking site — wrote just hours before the announcement was made: "There is nothing Holy about hatred."

Earlier this month, Jakarta police refused to approve Lady Gaga's show due to the Islamic Defenders Front's (FPI) threats against her.  The FPI called her the "devil's messenger" who wears nothing more than "a bra and panties".

Christian groups protesting in the Philippines accused Gaga of blasphemy when she was scheduled to perform there.  Her management were also disappointed to call of her show in the Philippines and South Korea due to Christians protesting her concert, but the situation in Indonesia is about security according to Big Daddy president director Michael Rusli.

"For the past few days we have communicated with the government and Lady Gaga's side. The government has given support, but this is not about the permit," he said. "The cancellation is really due to concerns over security."

The concert in Indonesia sold over 50,000 tickets, but the Islamic extremists consider the cancelation of her concert good news that "protects Indonesians from sin" and accused Gaga of bring about the destruction of morals.

"FPI is grateful that she has decided not to come. Indonesians will be protected from sin brought about by this Mother Monster, the destroyer of morals," he told AFP.

"Lady Gaga fans, stop complaining. Repent and stop worshipping the devil. Do you want your lives taken away by God as infidels?"

According to the BBC, the Indonesian police refused to give Gaga a permit to perform in Jakarta and cited vulgarity and security concerns, but accordingly Indonesia is officially secular, despite the preponderance of Muslims.  Allegedly, 99% of Indonesia's population identifies as Muslim.

"Lady Gaga's management has considered the situation minute to minute, and with threats if the concert goes ahead, Lady Gaga's side is calling off the concert," Minola Sebayang, lawyer for promoters Big Daddy, told reporters.

"This is not only about Lady Gaga's security, but extends to those who will be watching her."

Big Daddy President Michael Rusli said: "I think everyone including the government itself would have hoped that the show would go on. But of course along the way we have to review all the planning and we have to be mindful of what is happening in the media, what is happening in Indonesia itself."

The religious affairs minister welcomed the cancellation and stated that he believes the cancellation will benefit Indonesia, adding that the country needs entertainment and art with moral values.

According to Singapore News on Yahoo, Lady Gaga tweeted on Twitter, "We had to cancel the concert in Indonesia.  I'm so very sorry to the fans & just as devastated as you if not more.  You are everything to me."

Those who bought tickets to her concert expressed disappointment that they would not see her show due to the FPI, which they say they hate.

Disappointed student Agus Murdadi, 17, said he had been waiting for months to see his idol.

"I'm shocked. She's creative, not provocative. I bought a ticket because I want to see her dancing and singing 'Judas' in front of me," he told AFP.

"I'm going to tweet to her to tell her that she should just come and not worry. The police can take care of FPI. I hate the FPI."

May 12 of this year, Gaga performed Judas at her Tokyo concert dressed more modestly than usual as she gave an intro into the song, "Now that I have infiltrated your city, I will overthrow this planet one little monster at a time.  Some of you, stay with me and others will betray me."

Mriana

Mriana is a humanist and the author of "A Source of Misery". She has two grown sons and raises cats. She enjoys writing, reading, science, philosophy, psychology, and other subjects. Mriana is also an animal lover, who cares for their welfare as living beings, who are part of the earth. She is a huge Star Trek fan in a little body.

More Posts - Website - Twitter - Facebook