Hardliners threaten 'chaos' if Lady Gaga gig goes ahead in Indonesia

Lady Gaga's Indonesian promoters will fight to save her show, despite police denying it a permit and objections from the Islamic Defenders Front who says she is the "devil's messenger".

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JAKARTA // Lady Gaga's Indonesian promoters will fight to save her show, they said yesterday, despite police denying it a permit and Islamic hardliners threatening "chaos" if she comes to the nation.

Production company Big Daddy reached out on Twitter to Lady Gaga fans, known as "little monsters", saying it still hoped to find a way to hold the June 3 event after selling more than 50,000 tickets to a concert in Jakarta.

"Little monsters, be patient please. We will keep you updated. We are still fighting," the firm tweeted, in a country that ranks among the world's biggest Twitter users.

But the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) said it would create havoc if Lady Gaga were allowed to perform in Indonesia, calling her the "devil's messenger" who wears only a "bra and panties" on stage.

"If Lady Gaga still wants to perform here, go ahead. But please be prepared for chaos in Jakarta. We are ready to be thrown to jail and be killed - we will do anything to stop it," said Habib Salim Alatas, a FPI leader.

Indonesia has world's largest Islamic population, but the vast majority practise a moderate form of the religion.

In the past, pop stars including Beyoncé and the Pussycat Dolls have been allowed to perform in the country on condition they wore conservative dress.