The Mother Monster could not proceed with her plan to hold a concert in the capital of the country because 'the National Police said verbally that [the concert] would not be permitted.'
- May 15, 2012
AceShowbiz - Lady GaGa's upcoming concert in Indonesia was scrapped, so it was announced on Tuesday, May 15. "The National Police said verbally that [the concert] would not be permitted," said Jakarta police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto as quoted by the Jakarta Globe.
The gig was halted by authorities due to protests launched by Islamic hard-liners and conservative politicians in the country. Permit for the concert was also denied, so another spokesperson from the National police Boy Rafli Amar informed the press.
The concert, which was part of "Born This Way" promo tour, was supposed to take place on June 3 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. 52,000 tickets were sold out in just two weeks, and due to the overwhelming demand, promoter announced the release of an additional 2,000 tickets on Monday.
During the occasion, Michael Rusli of Big Daddy responded to the claim that the Mother Monster would corrupt Indonesian youths with her "evil" way. The president director of the company dismissed the claim, calling it ridiculous.
Among those who were against GaGa was Islamic Defenders Front (FPI). "We will stop her from setting foot on our land. She had better not dare spread her satanic faith in this country," its chairman Salim Alatas said. FPI threatened to have 30,000 people block the Mother Monster from landing in the country.
"Her style is vulgar, her sexual and indecent clothes will destroy our children's sense of morality. She's very dangerous," he reasoned.
Indonesian Council of Churches (PGI) supported the protests as well. Secretary general of the PGI, Gomar Gultom, stated, "It is the duty of religious figures to guide people to have a clear mind and stand against pornographic temptations."
The promoter has no comment regarding the cancellation, but promise to issue a statement as soon as possible.
