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The hardliners forced Lady Gaga to cancel a sold-out show last year after they branded her a "devil worshipper." Aerosmith also abruptly pulled the plug on a May concert, citing security concerns, days after a bomb plot against the Myanmar Embassy was revealed. Jennifer Lopez performed in the capital, but the sexy singer covered up and toned down her racy dance moves. Hary Tanoesoedibjo, head of Miss World sponsor MNC media group, said the government's decision to move the pageant venue is a mistake that creates a negative impression for the 131 countries represented in the pageant. "The decision was changed so quickly just because of pressure from a certain group," the billionaire said at a news conference. "We are worried this will create the perception that we are a weak nation." He said the forced move could tarnish Indonesia's reputation and perhaps even affect foreign investment. The country is already struggling with rampant graft, poor infrastructure, high inflation and a weak local currency. Bali will be in the spotlight not only for Miss World, but for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that will be held there a week later. World leaders, including President Barack Obama, and thousands of delegates are scheduled to attend. Any hiccups involving Miss World will likely raise doubts about Indonesia's ability to oversee the meeting's security. "There's a very real potential for violence at either event," said Damien Kingsbury, an Indonesia expert at Deakin University in Australia. "Having the Indonesians focusing on two events is going to divide their resources in ways which I think probably aren't going to be entirely helpful." Bali also was the site of the 2002 suicide bombings that killed 202 people, mostly foreign tourists. Since then, the government has aggressively pursued militant groups, which in recent years have committed much smaller-scale attacks mainly focused on security personnel. This is not the first time the British-based Miss World, which started as a bikini contest in 1951, has faced opposition from Muslims. In 2002, contestants were forced to leave Nigeria after religious riots trigged by the contest exploded inside the country, leaving some 100 people dead and hundreds injured. The competition was instead held in London. But Indonesia does not want to come across as totally anti-pageant. Last week, Jakarta hosted the third annual World Muslimah contest, an Islamic alternative to Western-influenced international beauty pageants. It was broadcast live and showcased women from six countries reciting the Quran and saying prayers. Contestants wore high heels, long shapeless frocks in bright colors and matching headscarves
-- mandatory to participate -- adorned with shimmering sequins and accessories. The candidates marched through the streets of Jakarta ahead of the event in their sashes without harassment from the same groups who claim that parading women on stage goes against Islamic teachings. The finalists, chosen for being smart, pious and stylish, competed for $2,200 plus a trip to Mecca. Miss Nigeria won. And in a moment universal to pageants, she cried and shook as the glittering tiara was placed atop her head.
[Associated
Press;
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