Government asks police to reconsider Lady Gaga concert

May 21, 2012
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JAKARTA, Indonesia – The Indonesian government has asked the National Police to find a "win-win situation" enabling pop star Lady Gaga to perform in Jakarta, local media reported.

"The police could put an end to the heated situation by mediating between the concert promoter and the protesters so that the show can go on under certain terms and conditions," Co-ordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Djoko Suyanto told The Jakarta Post on Sunday (May 20th).

Lady Gaga's June 3rd show at Bung Karno Stadium was cast in doubt last week when the National Police said they would not issue a permit for the concert, amid protests from conservative groups who object to the singer's racy persona and performance style.

Djoko said that the National Police could seek a compromise whereby Gaga was asked to tone down her "unusual appearance" while performing in the capital, the paper said.

Separately, lawmakers in the House of Representatives said they would summon National Police Chief General Timur Pradopo to answer questions regarding the Lady Gaga concert and recent church disputes, The Jakarta Globe said.

Hardline groups have harassed small Christian congregations in Bekasi and Bogor and prevented them from worshipping in their churches, despite Supreme Court rulings stating the churches should be allowed to operate.

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