Tight security for Westlife Jakarta concert

Irish boy band Westlife will rock Indonesia's capital tonight under heavy security following the death of four people in a stampede…

Irish boy band Westlife will rock Indonesia's capital tonight under heavy security following the death of four people in a stampede when another band toured Jakarta in March.

Organisers said 2,000 security personnel, including police, would guard the 15,000-seat concert stadium in central Jakarta, along with 200 paramedics backed up by ambulances and fire engines.

British boy band A1 cut short a tour in Asia after four fans died in a stampede at an autograph-signing in a Jakarta shopping mall last March.

Mr Adrie Soebono, the chief organiser from concert promoter Java Musikindo, said Westlife would finish playing before nightfall to minimise the threat of frenzied fans getting out of control.

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"Westlife wanted a night concert, but I said we wanted it all finished before dark," Mr Soebono said. "We don't want anything bad happening."

Local media said thousands of fans went hysterical when Westlife performed in Jakarta last year, with dozens needing first aid after fainting.

About 200 teenage girls have already staked out the Hilton Hotel where the band is staying.