PEKANBARU, Riau: Singer Julia Perez might not be able to perform at an upcoming Independence Day celebration in Riau province capital city Pekanbaru after all.

Several Islamic organizations have asked the police to ban the singer from performing at the celebratory event scheduled to be held at a brothel complex in the city.

The organizations, including Nahdlatul Ulama, Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), expressed opposition against the event, which was initiated by local councilor Eddy Ahmad R.M.

Their opposition was based on Julia's sexy appearance and the event's venue: the Teleju brothel complex,

In addition to Julia (popularly called Jupe), the religious groups also banned dancer Melly Zamri for her erotic moves.

"Besides defaming religious values, the event is against the Malay tradition," MUI's Pekanbaru branch chairman Ilyas Husti said Sunday.

In the event's defense, Eddy of the National Democratic Party said all citizens had the right to celebrate the day.

"I just make it easier for people to exercise their right to celebrate Independence Day. That does not mean I support indecent manners," he claimed.

He said he would still bring in the two artists as they had already signed their contracts, but would consider changing the location.

"I guarantee the artists will not put on indecent performances. They will wear the kebaya traditional blouse," he said.--JP/Rizal Harahap

Popular

The fragile promise of pluralism, religious freedom in Southeast Asia

Coffee, gold push up inflation to 1.95 percent in April

Power begins to return after outage in Indonesia's Bali island