Lady Gaga Indonesia concert cancelled after threats - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Lady Gaga Indonesia concert cancelled after threats Updated May 28, 2012 00:38:09 Map: Indonesia Pop diva Lady Gaga has cancelled her Indonesian concert after Islamic hardliners promised "chaos" if she entered the Muslim nation. Promoters had indicated a deal was being hammered out to tone down the June 3 concert in Jakarta, but the US star's management had stood firm, vowing there would be no compromise to appease religious conservatives. "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." Indonesians will be protected from sin brought about by this Mother Monster, the destroyer of morals. Lady Gaga fans, stop complaining.

Habib Salim Alatas After the announcement the show was off, thousands of her fans, who call themselves "little monsters", sent a flurry of Twitter messages to persuade her to go ahead with the concert. 'The devil's messenger' Earlier this month Jakarta police refused approval for the show after the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) threatened violence if Lady Gaga performed, calling her a "devil's messenger" who wears only a "bra and panties". Big Daddy president director Michael Rusli said it was "unfortunate" the show, part of Lady Gaga's tour of Asia that drew protests from Christian groups in the Philippines and South Korea, had to be called off. "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." More than 50,000 tickets had been sold for the event at the Bung Karno Stadium, but FPI Jakarta chairman Habib Salim Alatas said the cancellation was "good news" for Muslims in Indonesia. "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 said. "Lady Gaga fans, stop complaining. Repent and stop worshipping the devil. Do you want your lives taken away by God as infidels?" She's creative, not provocative... 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. Agus Murdadi The FPI has about seven million followers and has been known to raid pubs and clubs. 'Creative, not provocative' Lady Gaga is scheduled to play three shows in Singapore this week. She was due to play in Jakarta after that, before flying to New Zealand and Australia, and then to Europe on her Born This Way Ball tour. Indonesian fans had suggested that Big Daddy look for another venue outside the capital after Jakarta police refused to give approval, but Mr Rusli said "this is a huge concert so it can't be moved elsewhere". "Nowhere else in Indonesia can accommodate that many people", he said, insisting the 26-year-old singer was "prepared to adapt to Asian culture". The star's manager Troy Carter said in Singapore on Thursday Lady Gaga would not tone down her concerts.

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 said. "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." Another fan, Muh Fadli Firdaus, tweeted: "Sorry for everything, we still love you." Ninety percent of Indonesia's 240 million people identify themselves as Muslim, making it the world's largest Islamic-majority nation. In the past, pop stars including Beyonce and The Pussycat Dolls have been allowed to perform in the country on condition they wore more conservative dress than usual.

After threats of violence, Lady Gaga cancels Indonesia's 'Born This Way Ball' show After threats of violence, Lady Gaga cancels Indonesia's 'Born This Way Ball' show Niniek Karmini, The Associated Press Pin it Share JAKARTA, Indonesia - Lady Gaga has cancelled her sold-out show in Indonesia over security concerns after Muslim hard-liners threatened violence if the pop diva went ahead with her "Born This Way Ball," promoters said Sunday. The Islamic Defenders Front said Lady Gaga's sexy clothes and provocative dance moves would corrupt youth in the world's most populous Muslim country. The group said supporters had bought tickets to the concert and planned to enter and force it to be stopped. It also threatened that thousands of protesters would confront the singer on her way from the airport. Police had said they would only issue the required permits for the concert if Lady Gaga agreed to tone things down. Instead, she pulled the plug on the show, which had sold out with more than 50,000 tickets. "With threats if the concert goes ahead, Lady Gaga's side is calling off the concert," Minola Sebayang, a lawyer for concert promoter Big Daddy, told reporters Sunday.

"This is not only about Lady Gaga's security, but extends to those who will be watching her." Indonesia, a secular nation of 240 million people, is often held up by the U.S. and others in the West as example of how Islam and democracy can coexist. Ninety per cent of the population is Muslim, but most practice a moderate, tolerant form of the faith. A small, extremist fringe, has gotten more vocal — and violent — in recent years, however, sometimes attacking Christians and members of other religious minorities with clubs and machetes. They also targeted transvestites, atheists and others considered "blasphemous." Jakarta was supposed to be the biggest stop on Lady Gaga's Asian tour, with 52,000 tickets scooped up in just a few days. Fans will be fully refunded, said Michael Rusli, head of Big Daddy. The Islamic Defenders Front, or the FPI, which threatened to meet Lady Gaga with tens of thousands of angry supporters if she dared step off the plane in the capital of Jakarta, celebrated news of her cancellation. "This is a victory for Indonesian Muslims," said Salim Alatas, one of the leaders of the hard-line group.

"Thanks to God for protecting us from a kind of devil." A spokesman for the group, Murhali Barda, said they have purchased 150 tickets to the concert and planned to enter and stop it if it went ahead. Barda's Facebook account featured a picture of an FPI member, wearing a turban and sunglasses to conceal his face, holding an original ticket with the price around US$50. The photo's caption said, "We have gotten Lady Gaga tickets, not to watch but for us to enter." He wrote, "Our target is to stop the concert. We would force them off the stage but not harm the audience." He did not elaborate further. Music lovers in Jakarta expressed outrage that the threats were able to force the show's cancellation. Lady Gaga fan Johnny Purba, 25, called it an embarrassment to Indonesia. "This only shows to the world how weak security forces are in this country, how police are afraid of a bunch of hard-liners," Purba said. "Gaga's two-hour show will not hurt Indonesian Muslims.

For God's sake, she is not a terrorist!" Reblog Lady Gaga cancels Indonesia show after threat from Muslim extremists | Music | The Guardian Lady Gaga Lady Gaga cancels Indonesia show after threat from Muslim extremists Jakarta gig is called off over security concerns after Islamic Defenders Front vows to confront singer on way from airport Lady Gaga waves to fans in Singapore, a stop on her Asian tour. Photograph: Tim Chong/Reuters Associated Press in Jakarta Sunday 27 May 2012 05.46 EDT First published on Sunday 27 May 2012 05.46 EDT Close This article is 4 years old Lady Gaga has cancelled her sold-out show in Indonesia over security concerns after Muslim hardliners threatened violence if the pop star went ahead with her Born This Way ball. The Islamic Defenders Front said the US singer's clothes and provocative dance moves would corrupt youth in the world's most populous Muslim country. The group said supporters had bought tickets to the concert and planned to enter and force it to be stopped. It also threatened that thousands of protesters would confront the singer on her way from the airport. Police said they would only issue the required permits for the concert if Lady Gaga agreed to tone things down.

Instead, she pulled the plug on the show, which had sold out with more than 50,000 tickets. "With threats if the concert goes ahead, Lady Gaga's side is calling off the concert," Minola Sebayang, a lawyer for the concert promoter Big Daddy, said on Sunday. "This is not only about Lady Gaga's security, but extends to those who will be watching her." Indonesia is often held up by the US and others in the west as example of how Islam and democracy can coexist – 90% of the 240-million population is Muslim. But a small, extremist fringe, has become more vocal – and violent – in recent years, sometimes attacking Christians and members of other religious minorities with clubs and machetes. They also targeted transvestites, atheists and others considered "blasphemous". Jakarta was supposed to be the biggest stop on Lady Gaga's Asian tour, with 52,000 tickets sold in just a few days. Fans will be fully refunded, said Michael Rusli, head of Big Daddy. The Islamic Defenders Front, or the FPI, celebrated news of her cancellation.

"This is a victory for Indonesian Muslims," said Salim Alatas, one of the leaders of the FPI. "Thanks to God for protecting us from a kind of devil." Music lovers in Jakarta expressed outrage that the threats were able to force the show's cancellation. Lady Gaga fan Johnny Purba, 25, called it an embarrassment to Indonesia. "This only shows to the world how weak security forces are in this country, how police are afraid of a bunch of hardliners," he said. "Gaga's two-hour show will not hurt Indonesian Muslims. For God's sake, she is not a terrorist!" Lady Gaga's Asian tour - Photo 10 - Pictures - CBS News Lady Gaga's Asian tour Fans of pop diva Lady Gaga, dressed in costumes, show their concert tickets in Jakarta, Indonesia, on March 10, 2012. Credit: OSCAR SIAGIAN/AFP/Getty Images South Korean Christians watch an anti-Lady Gaga video at a church in Seoul on April 22, 2012. Scores of conservative South Korean Christians prayed together against Lady Gaga's Seoul concert, organizers said, accusing the pop star of advocating homosexuality and pornography.

Credit: KIM JAE-HWAN/AFP/Getty Images A South Korean Christian holds a placard against Lady Gaga's Seoul concert during an one-person campaign outside the headquarters of Hyundai Card, the concert organizer, in Seoul on April 23, 2012. Credit: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images A member of South Korea's Alliance for Sound Culture in Sexuality puts up a street banner against Lady Gaga's Seoul concert in downtown Seoul on April 23, 2012. Credit: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images South Korean women dressed in costumes pose as they wait for a concert by Lady Gaga outside Seoul's Olympic Stadium on April 27, 2012. Credit: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images A Japanese fan dressed as Lady Gaga poses for a photo ahead of a concert outside Seoul's Olympic Stadium on April 27, 2012. Tens of thousands of South Koreans flocked to the opening show of Lady Gaga's global tour on April 27, amid colourful scenes as female and male fans donned outrageous outfits in honor of the pop diva.

Credit: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images South Korean fans attend Lady Gaga's concert outside Seoul's Olympic Stadium on April 27, 2012. Credit: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images South Korean fans gather for a concert by Lady Gaga outside Seoul's Olympic Stadium on April 27, 2012. Credit: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images A South Korean staff member guides a man before a concert by Lady Gaga outside Seoul's Olympic Stadium on April 27, 2012. Credit: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images Protestors hold placards against Lady Gaga ahead of her concert outside Seoul's Olympic Stadium on April 27, 2012. Credit: JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images Lady Gaga poses for photographers after arriving in Hong Kong on April 28, 2012. Credit: DALE de la REY/AFP/Getty Images Fans of Lady Gaga pose before her concert in Hong Kong on May 2, 2012.

Credit: LAURENT FIEVET/AFP/Getty Images Fans of pop diva Lady Gaga strike a pose before her concert in Hong Kong on May 2, 2012. Credit: LAURENT FIEVET/AFP/Getty Images Lady Gaga is welcomed by Japanese fans upon her arrival at Narita International Airport as part of her Asian tour on May 8, 2012. Credit: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images Lady Gaga is welcomed by Japanese fans upon her arrival at Narita international airport as part of her Asian tour on May 8, 2012. Credit: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images Lady Gaga arrives at Narita International Airport as part of her Asian tour on May 8, 2012. Credit: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images Lady Gaga waves to journalists after arriving at the Sungshan Airport in Taipei on May 16, 2012. Credit: SAM YEH/AFP/Getty Images Members of Biblemode Youth Philippines hold up banners during a protest against Lady Gaga in Manila on May 19, 2012.

Lady Gaga was warned on May 18 to refrain from nudity, lewd conduct and blasphemy when her Asian tour reaches the Philippines next week, after her controversial act was banned by neighboring Indonesia. Credit: NOEL CELIS/AFP/Getty Images Members of Biblemode Youth Philippines gesture during a protest in front of a banner showing Lady Gaga in Manila on May 19, 2012. Credit: NOEL CELIS/AFP/Getty Images Indonesian fans of Lady Gaga pose in Jakarta on May 20, 2012. Lady Gaga's Indonesian promoters vowed to fight to save her show, despite police denying it a permit and Islamic hardliners threatening "chaos" if she comes to the mostly Muslim nation. Credit: OSCAR SIAGIAN/AFP/GettyImages An Indonesian fan of Lady Gaga poses in Jakarta on May 20, 2012. Lady Gaga's Indonesian promoters vowed to fight to save her show, despite police denying it a permit and Islamic hardliners threatening "chaos" if she comes to the mostly Muslim nation. Credit: OSCAR SIAGIAN/AFP/GettyImages An Indonesian fan of Lady Gaga poses in Jakarta on May 20, 2012.

Lady Gaga's Indonesian promoters vowed to fight to save her show, despite police denying it a permit and Islamic hardliners threatening "chaos" if she comes to the mostly Muslim nation. Credit: OSCAR SIAGIAN/AFP/Getty Images Members of Biblemode Youth Philippines hold candles as they participate in a vigil protesting against the concert of Lady Gaga in Manila on May 20, 2012. Credit: NOEL CELIS/AFP/GettyImages Lady Gaga arrives at a hotel in Makati, financial district of Manila on May 19, 2012. Credit: STR/AFP/Getty Images Fans of Lady Gaga are pictured in outlandish costumes and placards as they gather to attend her concert in Manila on May 21, 2012. Credit: JAY DIRECTO/AFP/Getty Images Fans of Lady Gaga are pictured in outlandish costumes as they arrive to attend her concert in Manila on May 21, 2012. Credit: JAY DIRECTO/AFP/Getty Images Fans of Lady Gaga pose as they gather to attend her concert in Manila on May 21, 2012.

Credit: JAY DIRECTO/AFP/Getty Images A member of Biblemode Youth Philippines lights a candle during a vigil protesting against the concert of Lady Gaga near the concert venue in Manila on May 21, 2012. Credit: NOEL CELIS/AFP/Getty Images Lady Gaga waves to fans as she leaves the airport following her arrival in Bangkok on May 23, 2012. Lady Gaga arrived in Thailand as part of her world tour for a concert on May 25 in the Thai capital. Credit: CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images A fan of Lady Gaga answers reporters' questions as she waits for her arrival at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport on May 23, 2012. Credit: CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/Getty Images Indonesian Islamic hardliners chanting "Go to hell Lady Gaga" stage a protest against the American pop diva's upcoming Jakarta concert, in front of the Security Ministry in Jakarta on May 25, 2012.

Credit: OSCAR SIAGIAN/AFP/Getty Images Muslim women hold posters during a protest against Lady Gaga's concert that is scheduled to be held on June 3, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, May 24, 2012. Lady Gaga canceled her sold-out show in Indonesia following threats by Islamic hard-liners, who said the singer's sexy clothes and provocative dance moves would corrupt youth. The writings on the posters read "Reject cultural invasion" and "Infidel." Credit: AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana Lady Gaga's Indonesia concert called off after threats - Jakarta - Muscat Daily Lady Gaga's Indonesia concert called off after threats AFP May 27, 2012 Jakarta - Pop diva Lady Gaga on Sunday cancelled her Indonesian concert with promoters saying the security threat was too serious after radical hardliners promised 'chaos' if she entered the Muslim nation. The promoters had indicated that a deal was being hammered out to tone down the June 3 concert in Jakarta, but the US star's management had stood firm, vowing there would be no compromise to appease religious conservatives.

"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. This is not only about Lady Gaga's security, but extends to those who will be watching her," Minola Sebayang, lawyer for promoters Big Daddy, told reporters. The flamboyant performer, who has nearly 25mn 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." After the announcement the show was off, thousands of her fans, who call themselves 'little monsters', sent a flurry of Twitter messages to persuade her to go ahead with the concert. Earlier this month Jakarta police refused approval for the show after the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) threatened violence if Lady Gaga performed, calling her a 'devil's messenger' who wears 'indecent' clothes. Big Daddy President director Michael Rusli said it was 'unfortunate' that the show, part of Lady Gaga's tour of Asia that drew protests from Christian groups in the Philippines and South Korea, had to be called off. "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. The cancellation is really due to concerns over security," he said. More than 50,000 tickets had been sold for the event at the Bung Karno Stadium, but FPI Jakarta chairman Habib Salim Alatas said the cancellation was 'good news' for Muslims in Indonesia. "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 said. "Lady Gaga fans, stop complaining. Repent and stop worshipping the devil. Do you want your lives taken away by God as infidels?" The FPI claims seven million followers and has been known to raid pubs and clubs. Conservative Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali welcomed the cancellation, saying other groups had also raised concerns. "I strongly believe this cancellation will benefit the country. Indonesians need entertainment and art which have moral values," he told reporters. Lady Gaga is scheduled to play three shows in Singapore this week. She was due to play in Jakarta after that, before flying to New Zealand and Australia, and then to Europe on her 'Born This Way Ball' tour.

Indonesian fans had suggested that Big Daddy look for another venue outside the capital after Jakarta police refused to give approval, but Rusli said 'this is a huge concert so it can't be moved elsewhere'. "Nowhere else in Indonesia can accommodate that many people", he said, insisting that the 26 year old singer was 'prepared to adapt to Asian culture'. The star's manager Troy Carter said in Singapore on Thursday that Lady Gaga would not tone down her concerts. 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,” he added. Another fan, Muh Fadli Firdaus, tweeted on @FadliGermanotta: 'Sorry for everything, we still love you'.

Ninety per cent of Indonesia's 240mn people identify themselves as Muslim, making it the world's largest Islamic-majority nation, but the vast majority practise a moderate form of the religion. In the past, pop stars including Beyonce and The Pussycat Dolls have been allowed to perform in the country on condition they wore more conservative dresses than usual. Threats of 'chaos' cancel Gaga's Indonesia gig SOCIAL Threats of 'chaos' cancel Gaga's Indonesia gig Bisexual pop sensation Lady Gaga has decided to cancel her Indonesian show after threats of 'chaos' 27 May 2012 by The bisexual pop sensation and LGBTI rights activist, Lady Gaga, has decided to cancel the Indonesian leg of her most recent tour after receiving threats of ‘chaos’ if she were to enter the world’s most populous Muslim country. In a statement issued to the press, Minola Sebayang, lawyer for the singer’s promoters, Big Daddy, said: ‘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.

‘This is not only about Lady Gaga’s security, but extends to those who will be watching her.’ It has been clear for a while now that there would be heavy opposition towards Lady Gaga if she decided to perform. Earlier this month the hardline Islamic Defenders Front threatened violence and branded her as a ‘devil’s messenger’ who only wears a ‘bra and panties’ on stage. The Jakarta police even refused to publicly approve the show after this statement was released, and protesters young and old have been seen brandishing posters with the words ‘Lady Gaga. Queen of demon. Lady Gaga. Invite you to hell’. Michael Rusli, president of Big Daddy, said it was ‘fortunate’ Lady Gaga and her team had decided to pull the show. ‘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. The cancellation is really due to concerns over security.’ So far there has been no official statement from the singer herself, however she took to Twitter 23 hours ago with the words ‘there is nothing holy about hatred’ potentially referring to these recent revelations from Indonesia. UPDATE: Gaga has confirmed via her Twitter that she has had to cancel.

She said: ‘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. ‘I will try to put together something special for you. My love for Indonesia has only grown #GagaSendsLoveToJakarta and all its people.’ Lady Gaga's cancelled concert a blow to tolerance in Indonesia?m (+video) Lady Gaga's cancelled concert a blow to tolerance in Indonesia?m (+video) Sara Schonhardt Pin it Share For Lady Gaga’s Indonesian fans, Sunday was a day of mourning. For the country’s 240 million citizens, most of them Muslim, it was the culmination of weeks of debate over whether Islamist hardliners are gaining ground in Indonesia. Lady Gaga cancelled her sold-out concert in Jakarta, the biggest on her Asia tour, Sunday due to threats from a group of Islamists who call the American pop star a “devil worshiper” and complained that her style and dance moves are pornographic. The Lady Gaga saga is one of many incidents recently, where Islamist groups have threatened or used violence against what they say are attempts to destroy Indonesia’s religious and moral fabric.

Some worry recent events could mark a resurgence of violent Islamist activism that could ultimately threaten the democratic gains Indonesia has made since the end of the Soeharto dictatorship in 1998. “This is part of the dilemma of the transition to democracy,” says Ulil Abshar Abdalla, head of the department for policy studies within the ruling Democrat Party. “On one hand we have the phenomena of rising intolerance, and on the other hand we have a weak government unable to address this issue.” GALLERY: Lady Gaga's fans and foes Indonesia is a secular state and has made strides by allowing much greater freedom of speech and expression since the end of Soeharto's rein. In the years following Soeharto's ouster, Indonesia was wracked by sectarian violence, separatist movements, and Al Qaeda-style terror attacks like the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings that killed more than 200 people. But by the middle of the past decade, Indonesia's transitional crisis had cooled. Militant groups were on the run, and emerging democratic institutions were finding ways to mitigate communal conflicts that earlier had been flaring into violence.

But this month, Islamist hardliners led by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) have been throwing their weight around. They injured several people attending an event by Irshad Manji, a Canadian proponent of liberal Islam and a lesbian. On May 6 protestors in a Jakarta suburb launched stones and death threats to disperse Protestant worshipers forced to pray on the sidewalk since local authorities stopped construction of their church in 2010. The FPI has a long reputation of vandalizing bars and nightclubs for selling alcohol. It has also violently attacked Christian worshipers and smaller Muslim sects, namely the Ahmadiyah, a group persecuted in many majority-Muslim countries as heretical for not believing that Muhammad was the last prophet. Rights activists accuse the police of turning a blind eye, allowing the FPI to act with impunity. “The police over the past decade have basically tolerated the FPI and others, allowing them to grow,” says Andreas Harsono, a researcher with Human Rights Watch Indonesia. “The government is pretty sure that this rising conservatism, rising radicalism among certain segments of society is very dangerous and should be dealt with,” says Mr. Abdalla.

But fears of a backlash from social conservatives have led to official pacifism from the government. Cause for concern? Though most of Indonesia's population dismisses the FPI as a group of thugs not to be taken seriously, activists are worried. “The majority of people here I believe are moderate, but they don’t realize the situation is getting more and more serious,” says Harsono, who says groups such as the FPI and Hizbut Tahrir, which advocates for a pan-Islamic caliphate, are growing increasingly influential. Some estimate the FPI to be some 30,000- strong. The group's chairman, Habib Rizieq, has more than 140,000 Facebook followers. “The FPI has real power and real friends in the government,” says Harsono, who also says that the current chief of the National Police has befriended several FPI leaders. Those friends have helped shield many hardliners from punishment, say activists, who point to an attack in February 2011, when a mob of some 1,000 Islamists killed three Ahmadiyah men.

Despite video evidence, a court later sentenced 12 of the attackers to short prison terms of between four and six months. “People are really frustrated with the FPI, but they are afraid,” says Tunggal Pawestri, one of the founders of Indonesia Without FPI, a small group of rights activists who are trying to push back against hardliners. “It’s only people who have a lot of guts who can protest in public.” It’s the police and government’s responsibility to enforce the law and ensure the safety of its citizens, she says echoing the sentiments of many Indonesians. The police say they do what they can, saying they had more than 5,000 officers on hand to guard the Lady Gaga concert and were fully prepared to provide adequate security. “We’re not afraid of the FPI, if they threaten someone we will investigate and send the case to the court,” says National Police spokesman Saud Usman Nasution, adding that Islamists are free to protest. Increasingly violent But those protests had become increasingly threatening in the lead up to the concert.

After saying they would use violence to prevent Lady Gaga from getting off the plane in Jakarta, one FPI member broadcast on Facebook that he had snapped up more than 100 concert tickets, heightening concerns that the group would try to create chaos inside the venue. During a protest last Friday a coalition of militant organizations threatened to burn the stadium. On Sunday the FPI reacted with jubilation to the cancellation, thanking those who fought to “defend the moral health” of the nation. Meanwhile, fans and supporters poured out their sympathy. “She doesn’t teach violence. She teaches us to be confident,” says Adiyanti Firdausi, who participated in a flash mob dance on Sunday in honor of Lady Gaga dressed in costume from the Judas video, a bandana wrapped around her headscarf. While many said they were disappointed –some were on the verge of tears – others worried how the decision would reflect on Indonesia internationally. “It means the situation in Indonesia is becoming more severe,” says Ms. Firdausi.

GALLERY: Lady Gaga's fans and foes Reblog Lady Gaga's Indonesia concert off after threats Lady Gaga's Indonesia concert off after threats Arlina Arshad Share View photos Indonesian Islamic hardliners chant "Go to hell, Lady Gaga" during a protest outside the US embassy on May 25 against the singer's scheduled Jakarta concert. Pop diva Gaga on Sunday cancelled her Indonesian concert with promoters saying the security threat was too serious after Islamic hardliners promised "chaos" if she entered the Muslim nation More Pop diva Lady Gaga on Sunday cancelled her Indonesian concert with promoters saying the security threat was too serious after Islamic hardliners promised "chaos" if she entered the Muslim nation. The promoters had indicated that a deal was being hammered out to tone down the June 3 concert in Jakarta, but the US star's management stood firm, vowing there would be no compromise to appease religious conservatives. "We had to cancel the concert in Indonesia," Lady Gaga confirmed on Twitter, where she has nearly 25 million followers, more than anyone else on the social networking site. "I'm so very sorry to the fans & just as devastated as you if not more.

You are everything to me." The flamboyant performer, known for her outrageous outfits and wigs, had been bombarded with Twitter pleas to reconsider after Minola Sebayang, lawyer for promoters Big Daddy, told reporters Lady Gaga would not be coming. "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," said Sebayang. "This is not only about Lady Gaga's security, but extends to those who will be watching her." Earlier this month, Jakarta police refused approval for the show after the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) threatened violence if Lady Gaga performed, calling her a "devil's messenger" who wears only a "bra and panties". Big Daddy president director Michael Rusli said it was "unfortunate" that the show, part of Lady Gaga's tour of Asia that drew protests from Christian groups in the Philippines and South Korea, had to be called off. "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." More than 50,000 tickets had been sold for the event at the Bung Karno Stadium, but FPI Jakarta chairman Habib Salim Alatas said the cancellation was "good news" for Muslims in Indonesia. "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?" The FPI claims seven million followers and has been known to raid pubs and clubs. Conservative Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali welcomed the cancellation, saying other groups had also raised concerns. "I strongly believe this cancellation will benefit the country. Indonesians need entertainment and art which have moral values," he told reporters. Lady Gaga is scheduled to play three shows in Singapore this week. She was due to play in Jakarta after that, before flying to New Zealand and Australia, and then to Europe on her "Born This Way Ball" tour.

Indonesian fans had suggested that Big Daddy look for another venue outside the capital after Jakarta police refused to give approval, but Rusli said "this is a huge concert so it can't be moved elsewhere". "Nowhere else in Indonesia can accommodate that many people", he said, insisting that the 26-year-old singer was "prepared to adapt to Asian culture". 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." To the thousands of fans -- known as "little monsters" -- who begged her on Twitter to come to Indonesia, Lady Gaga replied: "I will try to put together something special for you. "My love for Indonesia has only grown.

#GagaSendsLoveToJakarta and all its people." Ninety percent of Indonesia's 240 million people identify themselves as Muslim, making it the world's largest Islamic-majority nation, but the vast majority practise a moderate form of the religion. In the past, pop stars including Beyonce and The Pussycat Dolls have been allowed to perform in the country on condition they wore more conservative dress than usual. Reblog Indonesia: Lady Gaga concert cancelled Indonesia: Lady Gaga concert cancelled Now Reading: Indonesia: Lady Gaga concert cancelled Today's Top Stories last updated: 27/05/2012 Euronews Lady Gaga’s concert in Indonesia has been cancelled. The controversial singer of such hits as “Judas” and “Born this way,” had been due to perform in the country’s capital, Jakarta, on June 3. Organisers say they took the decision due to security concerns both for Lady Gaga and her spectators, after a number of threats from religious groups. The Muslim Defenders Front (FPI) – known for their raids on bars and massage parlours – had promised chaos if the star was allowed to perform.

They claimed they would be able to get 30,000 protesters to demonstrate against the singer, to stop her “spreading her satanic faith.” She also came under fire because of her very vocal, pro gay-rights stance. While officially secular, Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. Promoters say the 50,000 people who bought tickets will be reimbursed. This is not the first time Lady Gaga has faced such problems on the Asian tour. Already her convert in South Korea in April was made an adults only event after protests from Christian Groups. While her concert in the Philippines was met by protests by Christians who said she was blasphemous. Share this article: Lady Gaga's cancelled concert a blow to tolerance in Indonesia? (+video) - CSMonitor.com Lady Gaga's cancelled concert a blow to tolerance in Indonesia? (+video) Latest News Save for later Saved Muslim men shout slogans during a rally against US pop singer Lady Gaga's concert that is scheduled to be held on June 3, outside the US Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, May 25.

Lady Gaga cancelled her sold-out concert in Jakarta, the biggest on her Asia tour, Sunday, May 28, because of Islamist vigilante threats. Dita Alangkara/AP View Caption of Jakarta, Indonesia — For Lady Gaga ’s Indonesian fans, Sunday was a day of mourning. For the country’s 240 million citizens, most of them Muslim, it was the culmination of weeks of debate over whether Islamist hardliners are gaining ground in Indonesia . Lady Gaga cancelled her sold-out concert in Jakarta , the biggest on her Asia tour, Sunday due to threats from a group of Islamists who call the American pop star a “devil worshiper” and complained that her style and dance moves are pornographic. The Lady Gaga saga is one of many incidents recently, where Islamist groups have threatened or used violence against what they say are attempts to destroy Indonesia’s religious and moral fabric. Some worry recent events could mark a resurgence of violent Islamist activism that could ultimately threaten the democratic gains Indonesia has made since the end of the Soeharto dictatorship in 1998.

Recommended: In Pictures Lady Gaga's fans and foes “This is part of the dilemma of the transition to democracy,” says Ulil Abshar Abdalla, head of the department for policy studies within the ruling Democrat Party . “On one hand we have the phenomena of rising intolerance, and on the other hand we have a weak government unable to address this issue.” Photos of the Day Photos of the Day 01/19 Indonesia is a secular state and has made strides by allowing much greater freedom of speech and expression since the end of Soeharto's rein. In the years following Soeharto's ouster, Indonesia was wracked by sectarian violence, separatist movements, and Al Qaeda -style terror attacks like the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings that killed more than 200 people. But by the middle of the past decade, Indonesia's transitional crisis had cooled. Militant groups were on the run, and emerging democratic institutions were finding ways to mitigate communal conflicts that earlier had been flaring into violence. But this month, Islamist hardliners led by the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) have been throwing their weight around.

They injured several people attending an event by Irshad Manji , a Canadian proponent of liberal Islam and a lesbian. On May 6 protestors in a Jakarta suburb launched stones and death threats to disperse Protestant worshipers forced to pray on the sidewalk since local authorities stopped construction of their church in 2010. The FPI has a long reputation of vandalizing bars and nightclubs for selling alcohol. It has also violently attacked Christian worshipers and smaller Muslim sects, namely the Ahmadiyah, a group persecuted in many majority-Muslim countries as heretical for not believing that Muhammad was the last prophet. Rights activists accuse the police of turning a blind eye, allowing the FPI to act with impunity. “The police over the past decade have basically tolerated the FPI and others, allowing them to grow,” says Andreas Harsono, a researcher with Human Rights Watch Indonesia. “The government is pretty sure that this rising conservatism, rising radicalism among certain segments of society is very dangerous and should be dealt with,” says Mr. Abdalla. But fears of a backlash from social conservatives have led to official pacifism from the government. Cause for concern?

Though most of Indonesia's population dismisses the FPI as a group of thugs not to be taken seriously, activists are worried. “The majority of people here I believe are moderate, but they don’t realize the situation is getting more and more serious,” says Harsono, who says groups such as the FPI and Hizbut Tahrir, which advocates for a pan-Islamic caliphate, are growing increasingly influential. Some estimate the FPI to be some 30,000- strong. The group's chairman, Habib Rizieq, has more than 140,000 Facebook followers. “The FPI has real power and real friends in the government,” says Harsono, who also says that the current chief of the National Police has befriended several FPI leaders. Those friends have helped shield many hardliners from punishment, say activists, who point to an attack in February 2011, when a mob of some 1,000 Islamists killed three Ahmadiyah men. Despite video evidence, a court later sentenced 12 of the attackers to short prison terms of between four and six months.

“People are really frustrated with the FPI, but they are afraid,” says Tunggal Pawestri, one of the founders of Indonesia Without FPI, a small group of rights activists who are trying to push back against hardliners. “It’s only people who have a lot of guts who can protest in public.” It’s the police and government’s responsibility to enforce the law and ensure the safety of its citizens, she says echoing the sentiments of many Indonesians. The police say they do what they can, saying they had more than 5,000 officers on hand to guard the Lady Gaga concert and were fully prepared to provide adequate security. “We’re not afraid of the FPI, if they threaten someone we will investigate and send the case to the court,” says National Police spokesman Saud Usman Nasution, adding that Islamists are free to protest. Increasingly violent But those protests had become increasingly threatening in the lead up to the concert. After saying they would use violence to prevent Lady Gaga from getting off the plane in Jakarta, one FPI member broadcast on Facebook that he had snapped up more than 100 concert tickets, heightening concerns that the group would try to create chaos inside the venue.

During a protest last Friday a coalition of militant organizations threatened to burn the stadium. On Sunday the FPI reacted with jubilation to the cancellation, thanking those who fought to “defend the moral health” of the nation. Meanwhile, fans and supporters poured out their sympathy. “She doesn’t teach violence. She teaches us to be confident,” says Adiyanti Firdausi, who participated in a flash mob dance on Sunday in honor of Lady Gaga dressed in costume from the Judas video, a bandana wrapped around her headscarf. While many said they were disappointed –some were on the verge of tears – others worried how the decision would reflect on Indonesia internationally. “It means the situation in Indonesia is becoming more severe,” says Ms. Firdausi. Next up Get the Monitor stories you care about delivered to your inbox. Daily

Question: Lady Gaga cancelled her 2012 tour to which country after threats of chaos from protestors?
Answer: Indonesia