Threats See Lady Gaga Cancel Biggest Asia Gig

Lady Gaga has cancelled what was set to be the largest gig on her tour of Asia because of security fears following threats from Islamic hardliners.

The pop star's promoters pulled the plug on the Jakarta date of her 'Born This Way Ball' tour, after religious extremists promised "chaos" if she entered the country.

The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) said the singer's sexy clothes and provocative dance moves would corrupt the youth in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority nation.

They threatened violence if Lady Gaga performed, calling her a "devil's messenger" who wears only a "bra and panties".

Despite promoters indicating that attempts were being made to tone down the June 3 concert, the star's management insisted there would be no compromise .

"Lady Gaga's management has considered the situation minute to minute, and with threats if the concert goes ahead, Lady Gaga's side is calling off the concert," said Minola Sebayang, lawyer for promoter Big Daddy Promotion.

"This is not only about Lady Gaga's security, but extends to those who will be watching her."

The show, which had sold more than 50,000 tickets, was expected to be the largest gig on the performer's Asian tour.

The string of concerts has already led to protests from Christian groups in the Philippines and South Korea.

Big Daddy spokesman Michael Rusli said it was "unfortunate" the event was called off.

"For the past few days we have communicated with the government and Lady Gaga's side. The government has given support, but this is not about the permit," he said.

"The cancellation is really due to concerns over security."

Just hours before the announcement was made, the singer - who has the highest number of followers on Twitter with 25 million - wrote "There is nothing Holy about hatred."

The news was welcomed by the Jakarta chairman of the FPI - which claims to have seven million followers and has raided pubs and clubs in the past.

"FPI is grateful that she has decided not to come," Habib Salim Alatas said.

"Indonesians will be protected from sin brought about by this Mother Monster, the destroyer of morals.

"Lady Gaga fans, stop complaining. Repent and stop worshipping the devil.

"Do you want your lives taken away by God as infidels?"

The group said it had purchased 150 tickets and planned to enter the concert and stop it if it went ahead.

Conservative religious affairs minister Suryadharma Ali also celebrated the move, saying: "I strongly believe this cancellation will benefit the country.

"Indonesians need entertainment and art which have moral values."

In the past, pop stars including Beyonce and The Pussycat Dolls have dressed more conservatively than usual in order to perform in the country.

Lady Gaga's fans - or 'little monsters' - expressed outrage at the threats that had resulted in the show being called off.

Thousands sent tweets to Lady Gaga in an attempt to persuade her to go ahead with the concert.

Disappointed 17-year-old Agus Murdadi said he had been waiting for months to see his idol.

"I'm shocked. She's creative, not provocative," he said.

"I'm going to tweet to her to tell her that she should just come and not worry. The police can take care of FPI. I hate the FPI."

Lady Gaga has three shows in Singapore this week, before flying to New Zealand and Australia and then on to Europe to complete the tour.