Banning of film

Banning of film

The recent banning of yet another film caused me to wonder
whether Indonesian citizens will ever be allowed the chance to
make up their own minds about anything. As this nation strives
toward development it seems that self-appointed arbiters of
morality are robbing its inhabitants of their sense of
responsibility, to say nothing of their freedom of choice. Surely
if a film somehow offends religious beliefs it is up to the
individual to decide whether to see it or not. By taking that
choice away they are insulting the intelligence of every person
in this country.

It might be more useful if religious leaders concentrated on
ways to help their flocks. If they truly controlled the hearts
and minds of their followers, a simple mention of their
displeasure at morning prayers would surely keep their faith in
line and would not inconvenience followers of their faiths.
Members of the group who put pressure on the board of censors to
ban films have sadly demonstrated that they have had to resort to
extreme measures because they have little confidence in their own
powers to influence their followers. If they had, they would not
have had to exert such pressure.

Such acts of desperation are reminiscent of King Canute who
believed that he could stop the sea. He failed, as will those who
also seek to stem the tides. If Indonesians are to build a nation
worth respecting they must be given choices and must be allowed
to make them for themselves. How can a nation mature when its
subjects are treated like children?

ROSS GULLIVER

Jakarta