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It is an apolitical and sensible decision from the Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, particularly from the perspective of Indonesia’s image abroad and tourism.

However, the National Police should not have the role of de facto judge on issues of morality. They are the servants of the government in the enforcement of the law.

The government must deal with matters like this according to clearly enunciated policy and the police implement, not take the role of lead agency.

When ministers are requested by the police to provide them with “recommendations” it looks like the police and their religious affiliates are running the country, not the government.

The police only have a responsibility for considering public safety and security on the issue of permits for public performances, not deciding, on grounds of morality, such as which entertainers are allowed to visit or perform in
Indonesia.

Following in the footsteps of the hostile reception provided to author Irshad Manji (by a radical minority) it is a sad indictment of the direction of intolerance that the RI is being propelled toward by radical minority views.

Nairdah Humbaba

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I can still barely comprehend why the promoter should obtain an approval from MUI.

Don’t get me wrong. I respect MUI. But as far as I know, MUI is not a government institution and has no regulatory authority whatsoever over this republic. And it’s not like the promoter is going to hold the concert at MUI’s office or at MUI’s other premises.

And about the Religious Affairs Ministry, is Gaga going to pray or build a place of worship, so why does she have to get a permit from the ministry?

If it is unlikely, if at all, why should they ask for a permit? Isn’t this a country whose Constitution grants religious freedom?

Why should someone get a permit to pray? This ministry’s existence and function is against the Constitution.

It has been used by the ruling regimes to oppress minorities and for financial gain by having a monopoly in haj travel management, and even corruption.

Please note that I’m not a fan of Gaga. Even if she performs or not, I won’t watch since her music is just not my cup of tea. But I do protest the government for their obedience to radical groups.

Wilson

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I do believe a lot of the opposition to Lady Gaga is bogus. It is based on bigotry and racial discrimination (anti-America). There are plenty of racy dangdut shows every night in the Jakarta area.

Deedee S

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In any case, it is condescending to suggest that Indonesian audiences could only appreciate a show specially tailored to local tastes.

Parisian audiences would not expect a Papuan music troupe to seek approval by wearing tuxedoes and ball gowns.

International performers in New York are not normally advised on the need to invite a young local talent on stage with them in order to win favor from the audience.

Jakarta music lovers are as capable as audiences elsewhere of appreciating performers from overseas.

“Why is Lady Gaga not proposing to perform on Kuta beach in Bali in an open concert?”

Kuta beach is not a suitable venue for a concert that would attract tens of thousands of fans.

“Why is Lady Gaga not more tolerant?” Lady Gaga appears to be sufficiently tolerant already and some of her songs e.g. “Born this way” explicitly advocate tolerance.

If only those trying to prevent Indonesians from seeing her show could be as tolerant.

John Hargreaves