`Alia' cancellation an obstruction of freedom

`Alia' cancellation an obstruction of freedom

Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

State-owned television stations' ban of a play highlighting
injustices in Aceh was an obstruction of freedom of expression,
activists say.

Noted lawyer and human rights campaigner Todung Mulya Lubis
said TVRI's decision not to air Alia, Luka Serambi Mekah (Alia,
Wound on Veranda of Mecca) was repeating the censorship pattern
imposed under the authoritarian rule of former president
Soeharto.

"Once the media compromise with this kind of censorship --
which I believe promotes human rights abuses -- it will affect
other media. And once the media follows this pattern, such
repressive acts will happen again and again," Todung said.

TVRI signed a contract with Teater Satu Merah Panggung, which
produces Alia, to air the play on Dec. 15 to celebrate
International Human Rights Day, but then canceled the plan "due
to the development situation over the peace process in the
Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province."

Stage actress and activist Ratna Sarumpaet, who founded Satu
Merah Panggung maintained TVRI's decision was due to intervention
by the Indonesian Military (TNI).

"The TV station said the military officer invited to see the
script of Alia decided to ban the play, saying it would hurt the
hearts of the Acehnese," Ratna told The Jakarta Post.

Meanwhile, Col. D.J. Nachrowi, an official at TNI's
information department, denied Ratna's accusation, saying "we
have no right to interfere with television programs."

"Should TVRI cancel the play, maybe it is due to the script
itself ... does it (the script) make any contribution to the
government's efforts to create peace in the province, or even if
it will affect the current process there?"

Todung, however, challenged TNI's argument and said the peace
agreement for Aceh should also reflect the reality on the ground,
where many Acehnese people were continuing to demand open and
just trials for those responsible for rights violations in the
region during military operations between 1989 and 1999.

"I think the military should see that the play can contribute
to the peace process as it reflects the real demands of the
Acehnese." Todung said.

Ratna said Monday she still hoped TVRI would eventually air
Alia

"Becoming an actress means that you have to reflect on the
reality of life, and it really saddens me if all Indonesian
actresses are afraid to do so," Ratna said.

Performed by Teater Satu Merah Panggung, Alia, Luka Serambi
Mekah is the tale of a Alia, a daughter of Acehnese freedom
fighter Cut Nyak.

A rape victim, Alia refuses to let her spirit be broken.
Seeing that fear threatens to take over the lives of those in her
community, she rises up in rebellion.

Alia's father invites her to join the guerrilla forces
fighting for independence, but she refuses, standing firm in her
belief that the fight for independence is not merely for land,
but also for peace.