CAIRO and KUALA LUMPUR: An Indonesian lawmaker has said that “Middle East culture” is as dangerous as allowing American pop star Lady Gaga to perform in the Southeast Asian country. The statements came after Indonesia refused to issue Gaga a permit to perform at her sold-out Jakarta concert as Islamists in the country attacked her as promoting vice in the country. The concert had already sold more than 50,000 tickets, but attacks from groups such as the Islamic Defenders Front alleged that her performance would promote “sexual acts” and demanded it be canceled. Ahmad Basarah, of the House of Representatives' legal affairs commission, said that the National Police cannot choose to only ban imports pushing western ideology when Middle Eastern influences often run counter to Indonesia's own culture. “The government shouldn't discriminate when upholding the law,” the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician said. “If they dare to cancel shows that push a liberal-capitalistic ideology like Lady Gaga, then they should also take firm action against demonstrations pushing ideologies from the Middle East.” Democratic Party lawmaker Nova Riyanti Yusuf criticized the National Police's decision, adding that Lady Gaga's concert wouldn't corrupt the nation's sense of morality. “Whether someone goes to hell or heaven doesn't depend on whether they watch concerts or not,” Nova said. “It depends on their deeds and their hearts.” In Egypt, the anti-Middle East culture statements have been met with some harsh words, with a number of Egyptians asking why Indonesia “is supporting censorship, but at the same time wants to act moral.” For many, it doesn't make sense, but with the Islamic world's growing conservatism, many fear that anger directed to the Middle East will not be the solution. “People want someone to blame and the Middle East and Islam and Arabs are an easy target, but it is wrong,” said Egyptian university student Amr Ghoreib in an emailed statement highlighting the Indonesian statements.
