reunion concert featuring rock band Dewa 19 and former vocalist Ari Lasso slated for Wednesday at the Palembang Sport and Convention Center (PSCC) in South Sumatra has been cancelled.
“The concert is postponed,” said the owner of event organizer NB Entertainment, Zalmi Khardani, as reported by tribunnews.com. “Based on our latest information, the delay has been caused by the fact that one of Dewa 19’s members [Ahmad Dhani] has been charged.”
Palembang Police reportedly had not yet issued a permit for the "Dejavu Concert Reuni Dewa 19 feat Ari Lasso" concert. A spokesperson from the police, Budi Santoso, confirmed the cancellation.
“The concert has been canceled on security concerns,” he explained.
(Read also: Jokowi supporters report singer Ahmad Dhani for alleged defamation)
“There is no political element in the reunion concert, therefore if Ahmad Dhani has a personal issue then it should be resolved,” said Zalmi, adding that 60 to 70 percent of the concert's tickets, priced starting at Rp 200,000 (US$15), had been sold.
Meanwhile, Ahmad questioned the police’s decision. “I don't know why the police haven’t issued a permit [for the concert],” he told kompas.com on Monday. He also denied rumors that the cancellation was related to a complaint filed by supporters of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
People grouped under Jokowi’s People’s Soldiers (LRJ) and others filed a complaint on Monday against Ahmad with the Jakarta Police over alleged defamation during the Nov. 4 rally. (wir/kes)
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