Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Indonesian authorities have cancelled the concert of popular
American singer Lady Gaga, scheduled for next June 3, because it goes against
Indonesian law. The decision was announced today by the police in Jakarta who judged the show
"to be incompatible with the culture and moral values of the
country."
The cancellation of the concert has sparked much debate within Indonesian
society and has also involved members of parliament. For months, the Ulema Council (MUI) and Islamist
organizations have sought a ban on the artist's concert (pictured), who is very
popular among young Indonesians. According to Islamic radicals Lady Gaga is an
"admirer of Lucifer" and her sexy performances are dangerous for the
people of Indonesia,
especially the male audience.
Gamawan Franzi, the interior minister, responded to the criticism of fans of
Lady Gaga, stressing that "the country must defend its national interests.
Police in Jakarta
have acted in the interests of the state, protecting them from potential
dangers."
For the leaders of the moderate parties this indicates a radical turn in the
country. In fact, the cancellation of the singer's concert is a serious
precedent. Benny K Harman, MP and activist of the Legal Aid Foundation (Ylbhi) declares that "freedom of
expression has been violated" and accused the police of promoting the
ideas of the Islamists, who represent the majority of the population.
With the climate of moral austerity promoted by Islamic extremists performances
by Indonesian artists of "dang dut", will also soon become illegal. The
dang dut is a traditional Indonesian musical genre, which over the years has
taken on pop and dance music connotations borrowed from the West (video),
including the use of short skirts and skimpy clothes by the singers.
In recent years, the Indonesian authorities have repeatedly succumbed to
pressure from the MUI, which plays a role of "observer" of manners
and morals in the archipelago. In Aceh region where the radical Islamic rule,
women can not wear tight jeans or skirts. In March 2011, the MUI lashed out at
the flag-raising "because Muhammad never did it", and previously even
launched anathemas against the popular social network Facebook as
"amoral", against yoga, smoking and the right to vote, for women in
particular.