United perception sought to combat pornography<\/p>\n
By A'an Suryana<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Although they are supporting efforts to combat
\npornographic publications, observers and religious figures called
\nfor a united perception of pornography on Sunday to assure fair
\njustice for all concerned parties, including the media.<\/p>\n
They were commenting on a decision by the South Jakarta
\nDistrict Court to sentence Matra monthly chief editor Robertus
\nRiantiarno on Thursday to a five-month suspended jail term.<\/p>\n
Deputy chairman of the Indonesian Committee for Islamic World
\nSolidarity (KISDI) Ahmad Sumargono and spokesman for the
\nIndonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) Father Sumantoro agreed that
\nthe publications of pornographic pictures should be restricted.<\/p>\n
\"Any pictures, which evoke people's sexual desires, must not
\nbe published in a religious country like Indonesia. They will
\nlead to immoral practices, such as rape,\" Sumargono told The
\nJakarta Post, while referring to a recent case of a teenager who
\nraped his neighbor, a child, after watching an x-rated video
\ncompact disc (VCD).<\/p>\n
Father Sumantoro shared Sumargono's view, saying that the
\npublications were morally unacceptable.<\/p>\n
\"Pornographic pictures are dangerous as they exploit the
\nprurient desire of human beings,\" Sumantoro told the Post.<\/p>\n
However, the issue has become more difficult as there is no
\nunified criteria here to judge whether a publication is
\npornographic.<\/p>\n
Media observer Alwi Dahlan said pornography was developed in
\nline with the advancement of civilization.<\/p>\n
\"Pornographic terms develop in all levels of society. What is
\nnow tipped as a pornographic picture by the community may not be
\nconsidered pornography in the future,\" said Alwi, a former
\nminister of information.<\/p>\n
Sumantoro said different groups in the community might have
\ndifferent perceptions of pornography.<\/p>\n
\"Every culture has its own perception of pornography. A
\npicture may be considered pornographic by a culture, but others
\nmay consider it as natural,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He said it was high time to create an institution to discuss a
\ncommon perception of pornographic substances.<\/p>\n
Sumargono said all parties concerned could form a watchdog to
\ndefine and set the boundaries of pornography, including pictures.<\/p>\n
\"The independent watchdog should include actors, cultural
\nobservers, religious figures, the government and the media. They
\ndiscuss the criteria and establish it as law,\" said Sumargono,
\nwho is also a legislator from the Crescent Star Party (PBB)
\nfaction.<\/p>\n
Riantiarno, also known as Nano, supported the establishment of
\na watchdog.<\/p>\n
\"The criteria of what constitutes pornography is important for
\njournalists to carry out their journalistic duties,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Nano regretted the judge's verdict, saying that the magazine
\nhad published pictures of what he called as art.<\/p>\n
\"The judge has failed to provide clear arguments over what he
\ncalled pornographic pictures. It's understood that Todung Mulya
\nLubis, our lawyer, has asked for an appeal,\" said Nano.<\/p>\n
Alwi, however, suggested that the judge should issue a verdict
\nbased on his\/her feelings.<\/p>\n
\"The judge should make a verdict which is in favor of the
\nmajority.<\/p>\n
\"Since it's difficult to determine the dominant will of the
\nmajority, the judge should make a verdict in line with his\/her
\nfeelings,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Secretary to city police spokesman Maj. Alex Mandalika
\nsupported Alwi's statement.<\/p>\n
\"It is difficult to judge whether a picture is pornographic as
\npeople have different perceptions and no law explicitly defines
\nwhat the pornographic term is,\" Mandalika said.<\/p>\n
Alwi said the media should be maintained but the media must
\nnot provoke the people's prurient interests.<\/p>\n
\"The media must produce interesting reports and pictures, but
\nthe products must not go against the common norm of society. The
\nmedia must be retrospective before publishing any pictures so
\nthat they will not breach social norms of society,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Sumargono partially hailed the judge's decision to sentence
\nthe editor.<\/p>\n
\"It sets a good precedent. There are more vulgar publications
\nthan Matra today, but no stern actions have been taken by the
\npolice. In this matter, Matra has been unfairly treated by the
\nlaw,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Sumargono said people's protests against the pornographic
\npictures were not necessary.<\/p>\n
\"Let the law decide since we are a country of law,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Sumargono said the verdict was also a good lesson for the
\nmedia.<\/p>\n
\"The media has its limits. The verdict was a kind of slap on
\nthe wrist, so that the media will not only push for provocative
\nand sensational reports, but will also strive for the nation's
\nmorality,\" he said.<\/p>",
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