Indonesia - Lady Gaga's Jakarta Concert Is Haram, Declares MUI Chair

Indonesia’s highest Islamic authority urged Muslims not to attend Lady Gaga’s upcoming concert in Jakarta, declaring that the pop star — known for her sexy and controversial outfits — is haram, or forbidden, under Islamic law.

“[The concert is] intended to destroy the nation’s morality,” said Indonesia Council of Ulema (MUI) chairman Cholil Ridwan, who said that he had never watched Lady Gaga perform and only heard of her “reputation” second hand.

He urged Lady Gaga fans to return their tickets for a refund.

“If you can still refund it, then please do. But do not go to the concert, it is haram,” he told the Jakarta Globe on Sunday.

Cholil took exception with Lady Gaga’s revealing outfits and sexualized dance moves, adding that a female dangdut singer who wore similar costumes would also be haram.

But Lady Gaga, Cholil argued, is worse.

“She is from the West and she often shows her aurat [private parts of a body] while performing,” Cholil said.

Cholil worried that Lady Gaga fans would do the same after seeing the pop star perform in the “Born This Way Ball” in Jakarta on June 3. The Islamic leader called concerts by Western stars “cultural attacks,” but said that it was up to young people to decide if they would attend the concert.

But another MUI chairman, Slamet Effendi Yusuf, said Cholil’s words were just his personal opinion. The organization has not issued a haram fatwa, a move that would require all MUI chairmen to reach a consensus.

Personally, Slamet said, he has no problem with young Muslims seeing Lady Gaga’s concert.

“I am sure they know what is good and bad,” he said. “However, I hope Lady Gaga can also wear a proper [dress] in her show.”

Anita Rachman

Tha Jakarta Globe

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