Police have refused a permit for Lady Gaga to perform in the Indonesian capital next month, bowing to pressure from Islamic groups who voiced strong objections to her "vulgar" style.

Salim Alatas, the Jakarta head of the Islamic Defender Front (FPI), said: "This is dangerous. She's a vulgar singer who wears only panties and a bra when she sings and she stated she is the envoy of the devil's child and that she will spread satanic teaching."