Promoter to refund Lady Gaga concert tickets

JAKARTA. Local concert promoter Big Daddy Entertainment has promised to issue full refunds for the 52,000 tickets purchased for Lady Gaga’s June 3 concert in Jakarta, after the US singer backed out early on Sunday morning.

Big Daddy executive Michael Rusli told reporters in Jakarta that the tickets would be refunded “100 percent“, starting on June 10.

"We will announce detailed procedures on Wednesday because we have to ask the police to issue a permit for us to refund the tickets, since it will involve crowds," Michael said.

The Grammy-award winning singer was scheduled to perform before her fans at the Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on June 3, but problems with permits and stiff opposition from groups such as the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) forced the pop start to reconsider.

Michael confirmed that Gaga's management had decided to call off her performance in Jakarta on Sunday, citing "security reasons".

A total of 52,000 tickets, with prices ranging from Rp 465,000 (US$50.75) to Rp 2.25 million, have already been sold since tickets sales opened on March 10.

"Those who bought the tickets online will only have to fill out some forms before the money will be transferred back to their bank accounts. Other ticket buyers must show us the tickets first before we return their money," Michael said.

He declined to comment on how much money that the promoter had lost due to the cancellation.

The Jakarta Police said earlier that they would not recommend the National Police to issue a concert permit for Lady Gaga.

The pop icon, known for her controversial fashion sense and outspoken advocacy for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights, is the first foreign performer to be rejected by Indonesian authorities. (The Jakarta Post)