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Indonesia Passes Anti-Porn Bill
October 31, 2008 8:07 AM
By Margaret Conley, ABC News, Jakarta
In Indonesia, the passage of a long-debated anti-pornography bill by the House of Representatives Thursday has reignited controversy in the predominately Muslim country.
Critics argue the bill threatens personal and cultural freedoms, while supporters applaud tighter restrictions on the distribution of what they see as indecent material.
“This is what we need to fight pornography. This law will complete our legal system to protect us from pornographic materials,” Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Maftuh Basyuni told the Jakarta Post.
Contention among the general public, human rights groups, religious activists and political parties is not only about whether such a bill should exist, but also about the interpretation and implementation of the new law.
The definition, for example, of what “may incite obscenity, sexual exploitation and/or violate moral ethics in the community” is debatable, especially among a vast and diverse population ranging from cutting-edge artists in Bali, to tribes whose traditional attire nears nudity in Papua.
Another article of the bill states that “the public can play a role in preventing the production, distribution and use of pornography.”
"We're worried it will be used by hard-liners who say they want to control morality," Baby Jim Aditya, a women's rights activist, told The Associated Press. She adds concern about the public’s policing role. "It could be used to divide communities."
Violation of the law can result in up to 12 years in prison or up to $750,000 in fines, according to the AP.
On the mainly Hindu island of Bali, Gov. Made Mangku Pastika told reporters, “We will continue opposing the porn law because this has been our stance from the very beginning,” according to the Jakarta Post.
The issue of indecency is a familiar one in Indonesia. Last year, headlines spun when Erwin Arnada, the editor of the local version of Playboy, was acquitted on charges of publishing indecent material. The Indonesian and more conservative version of the U.S. magazine had been on sale at the time here for two years. Though models wear barely there clothing, there is no nudity.
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October 31, 2008 in Margaret Conley | Permalink | User Comments (17)
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I'm surprised this hasn't happened in "free" America yet.
Posted by: Ken | Oct 31, 2008 10:39:19 AM
Is it just me, or are Asian women some of the most beautiful in the world? Anyway, nothing good will come of this. All this will do is heighten peoples already increasing sexual frustrations and equate to more "sneaking" around then ever before. Sex isn't a moral sin people ... it's only when we vilify it and make it "dirty" that people come to abuse it and make decisions for all the wrong reasons. The human body is a beautiful thing and it's the most powerful tool that we will ever own. In the end, it's all about respect for yourself ... not an 8x10 glossy image of the human, naked, form.
Posted by: Free_Thoughts_Prevail | Oct 31, 2008 10:49:15 AM
Selling sex is immoral, like porn, prostitution, brothels, stripping, men want to use women for sexual exploitation. Why can't people understand that these women are lured by money to sell their souls by having sex with with other people ONLY for money, where is the morality in that?
Posted by: DON | Oct 31, 2008 11:24:38 AM
PORN = PROSTITUTION ON VIDEO/MAGAZINES = IMMORALITY.
Posted by: j | Oct 31, 2008 11:25:54 AM
Where's the anti-violence bill? Why not outlaw images of inflicted pain and unnatural death?
Posted by: David | Oct 31, 2008 11:32:07 AM
When porn is outlawed, only outlaws will have porn.
Posted by: boohoo | Oct 31, 2008 11:35:05 AM
that people perform sexual acts solely for money is just a gross example of how we are so controlled by laws and economic oppression both that have no business in our lives whatsoever
governments and religions alike should stop banning things that humans do, we should be free to do whatever the hell we want,
then there would be more peace and relaxation amongst the human race
what is the point of throwing some person who looked at the natural human body in the natural state of sexuality into confinement with violent and insane people who've grown more insane by being confined in prisons or other disgusting institutions
people are crazy and just as guilty as the law makers for agreeing with this nonsense, and not being smart enough to work through their minds more appropriate approaches to life
ridiculous and devastating to hear constantly how much ignorance exists and continue to grow in this world
absolutely pathetic
Posted by: lordabove | Oct 31, 2008 11:36:48 AM
Yes, porn is not condusive to one's spiritual advancement, but if spiritual advancement is not your life's objective or goal, exactly what harm does viewing porn do?
Posted by: Gerald | Oct 31, 2008 11:44:18 AM
DON -- prostitution is the oldest occupation ... just before the second oldest; the "priesthood". Now ask me which one has caused the most harm generation after generation? I assure you it isn't the first. It's the talk of "damnation" and your ideals and ideologies of "morality" that has caused the greater harm. Now, I'm not at all in support of prostitution, but I sure as hell am not in support of the vial aspect and consequences of your archaic religion. Therein lies the true danger.
Posted by: Free_Thoughts_Prevail | Oct 31, 2008 11:51:18 AM
I am sorry to see Hindus of Indonesia supporting the rights for the distribution of prono. Without resposibilities, rights have no meaning. Where is the responsibility? I hope, Indonesian Hindus reconsider their position, and do the right thing.
Posted by: Sushim Mukerji | Oct 31, 2008 11:52:52 AM
Damn! Now Indonesian guys can't look at naked women in magazines! What are they supposed to do, go out and meet a girl, treat her well, and enjoy sex in private? Man this is crazy! What kind of outlet will there be for young women with low self-esteem? This will obviously mean the end of civilization. :)
Posted by: Sean O'Brien | Oct 31, 2008 12:01:09 PM
Morality??? It's also immoral to impose your ideals on others. Adults are fully capable of deciding what they want to do. If they want to be a banker because the lure of money then fine. If they want to prostitute or pose nude for money then fine. Their choice isn't imposing on or harming another person. If you don't like what they do then don't participate. I do think that laws are needed to restrict the visibility/availability of provocative material to minors. It's also a parent's job to teach minors nudity (nothing wrong with it) and sexuality (not until you got an education and a career, and preferably married).
Posted by: Tom | Oct 31, 2008 12:02:46 PM
distribution of pornographic are the initial process of moral-corruption. obviously, it is an element of a downfall of civilization.
Posted by: nokia5200 | Nov 1, 2008 12:52:54 AM
distribution of pornographic are the initial process of moral-corruption. obviously, it is an element of a downfall of civilization. stop distributing porno stuffs. a civilized country is not measured only by physical development but also moral virtues.
Posted by: nokia5200 | Nov 1, 2008 12:54:04 AM
i am indonesian but hold no more love or pride for my own country
Posted by: Knights | Nov 1, 2008 7:10:39 AM
I don't agree in withholding or banning porn...at the same time, I'm not encouraging it. I just see it as a freedom that should be left to the individual to choose.
Posted by: Ebbtidecheque | Nov 1, 2008 8:21:15 PM
Funny how in the US it is completely fine to have a movie where tons of people are killed and their brains are splattered on the ground, but when it comes to something totally natural such as nudity etc., it is a big problem. Senseless violence is ok, but nudity is not? Talk about backwards. It is just sex. A
Posted by: geniusjoe46 | Nov 1, 2008 9:49:07 PM
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