Gaga gig ban ‘pointless’: NU chairman

The leader of one of Indonesia’s largest Islamic groups has spoken out over the Lady Gaga saga, saying that it is unnecessary to ban the controversial US pop singer from performing in Jakarta.

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) executive board chairman Said Aqil Sirad said Gaga was not “tainted”, as several groups in the country had been suggesting, tempo.co reported late Tuesday.

“Even if she were, Lady Gaga alone will not be able to shake the faith of NU followers. In fact, millions of Gagas will not even have the ability to alter our belief,” he said.

Earlier, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) and the Islamic People’s Forum (FUI) voiced opposition to the singer’s performance in the capital, saying that she will “corrupt the morals” of young Indonesians.

The controversial diva, known for her over-the-top performances and eccentric fashion sense, has sparked protests, particularly from hard-line groups.

She is slated to perform at Bung Karno stadium in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on June 3, but the National Police have yet to issue a permit to the performance.

On her official Twitter account, @ladygaga, the singer has said that she will perform the concert “alone” if the show goes ahead.

Despite having been known to hold a solo performance once in a while, Gaga is more celebrated for her unusual outfits and backup dancers while performing in front of her fans. (asa)