The 52,000 people who have tickets to Lady Gaga's "Born This Way Ball" concert in Jakarta will not be able to use them. Though the concert sold out and was expected to be the biggest stop on the Born This Way Ball Asian tour, the mother of all Fame Monsters has to cancel the show due to protests from religious hardliners and conservative lawmakers. Boy Rafli Amar, the national police spokesman, said on Tuesday that Lady Gaga's permit for the concert had been denied. Originally, the show was planned for June 3rd at the Gelora Bung Karno stadium.
While some may see it as bending to political pressure, local law enforcement suggested denying the permit because they were concerned that they wouldn't be able to keep the provocative performing artist safe. Although Indonesia is a secular nation, it has more Muslims than any other country, and recently a small group of religious zealots have been speaking out. The Associated Press reported that some people said they would use physical force to prevent the singer from getting off the plane. The MTV website quotes Salim Alatas, the Jakarta head of the Islamic Defender Front (FPI), as saying, "She's a vulgar singer who wears only panties and a bra when she sings and she stated she is the envoy of the devil's child and that she will spread satanic teaching. This is dangerous."
Indonesia Ulema Council leader Amidhan also expressed his concerns, and Lady Gaga and her entourage had been warned to tone down the act when entering Indonesia, according to MusicNews.com. "I call on Lady Gaga to respect our cultural and traditional values," he said. "Most people here are Muslims and we cannot tolerate her revealing outfits and sexy performances. It's better for Lady Gaga to cancel her show in this country if she has no willingness to respect our demand. Please do not destroy our nation's morality and ruin our dignity."
Yet, it's not just religious groups speaking out against Gaga, who's birth name is Stefanie Germanotta. Conservative politicians are worried that Lady Gaga's provocative dance moves and sexy costumes would corrupt the nation's youth and undermine its moral fiber. South Korea had a similar though less extreme reaction to the 26-year-old singer. There, concert goers were required to be at least 18 years old.
In addition to her controversial antics -- wearing a dress made of meat and entering an awards show inside an egg among them -- Lady Gaga has gained attention for her voice. She has won six Grammy Awards to date.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
