Dua Lipa axes Indonesia gig over safety concerns
Dua Lipa was forced to cancel a concert scheduled in Jakarta, Indonesia, due to “unforeseen safety and logistical issues” with the stage.
The English-Albanian singer was due to perform at the 16,500-cap Indonesia Arena on Saturday (9 November) as part of the Asian leg of her Radical Optimism global tour.
In a joint statement on Lipa’s website, organisers TEM Presents and PK Entertainment said the team had made “diligent efforts to resolve critical production issues related to the stage structure provided by Mata Elang Productions” but it was “not safe for the performance to carry on”.
“This very difficult decision to cancel was made with the utmost care and consideration for the safety of both the audiences and artist,” the statement concluded.
“This very difficult decision to cancel was made with the utmost care and consideration for the safety of both the audiences and artist”
In her own statement, Lipa said: “I am heartbroken to share that I won’t be able to perform in Jakarta this Saturday, November 9.
“I am there in your amazing country and ready to perform, but I am gutted to share that it has been determined that it is not safe for the performance to carry on due to safety issues with the staging.
“I was so looking forward to this night, and it truly pains me that we cannot perform for you all, especially after such a long time since my last performance in Jakarta.
“Refunds will be made from your point of purchase. I love you all and truly can’t wait to be back together in the same room with you singing and dancing our hearts out as soon as possible.”
The Radical Optimism tour continues this Wednesday (13 November) in the Philippines at the Philippine Arena in Manila.
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Late venue switch for Ed Sheeran’s Indonesia show
Ed Sheeran’s upcoming stadium concert in Jakarta, Indonesia has been relocated just two weeks ahead of the show.
The + – = ÷ x (Mathematics) Tour had been set to grace the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium on 2 March, but will now switch to Jakarta International Stadium (JIS). All tickets remain valid.
Organisers PK Entertainment, AEG Presents Asia and Sound Rhythm say the decision has been taken as a result of Indonesia’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier with Vietnam at the GBK on 21 March.
“We recognise the importance of the Indonesia national football team’s matches, especially when we are hosting. Our support aligns with the government’s goal to advance national sports,” PK co-founder and COO Harry Sudarma tells the Jakarta Globe.
“We also believe that JIS, as the largest international-standard football stadium in Indonesia, can provide an unforgettable experience for Ed Sheeran’s fans. Our team is currently working closely with JIS to ensure a smooth and enjoyable concert experience for all fans in Jakarta.”
“We need to make special preparations to keep the venue in prime condition”
Voi reports there had been controversy in the past when the national football team was forced to move venues due to concerts by One Direction and Coldplay at GBK, while two nights by Blackpink last March also caused concern as a result of “the damaged and alarming condition of GBK grass” in the aftermath.
“The GBK Main Stadium will be the location of the match between the Indonesian national team and Vietnam,” says GBK director Rakhmadi A Kusumo. “We need to make special preparations to keep the venue in prime condition.”
The promoters are working alongside JIS and several partners “to provide additional parking spots, shuttle buses with a few pick-up and drop-off points, as well as motorbike taxis and ride-hailing services” for the relocated show.
Sheeran, who is several shows into his AEG-promoted + – = ÷ x Asia tour, set another record last week with his sold-out show at Singapore National Stadium. The 16 February concert broke the venue’s all-time capacity record after attracting 59,000 people.
The singer-songwriter also has further shows in The Philippines and India scheduled before the Asian leg of the tour wraps up in mid-March.
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