Beyonce escapes censure

2007-10-06 08:46

Jakarta - US R&B star Beyonce Knowles will not be required to follow a strict dress code when performing next month in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, the organisers of her concert said on Friday.

Beyonce, known for her skimpy stage outfits, cancelled her debut concert in Malaysia in protest against the nation's ultra-strict dress code, an industry source said this week.

She has chosen instead to perform in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, on November 1.

"I expect Indonesians to see this in a positive light. She is a great singer and her stage act is entertaining. Why should we say no to the way she dresses?" said Nia Zulkarnaen, a spokesperson for the concert promoter.

She said there had been no request from the authorities or from any Muslim group requiring Beyonce to cover up.

"Praise be to God, there has been no such demand. They realise it's positive entertainment for the youth," she said.

More than 85%of Indonesia's 226 million population are Muslim and most are moderate.

Reuters