Closed VCD rentals back in business

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: The controversial closure of the information ministry has been a boon to Video Compact Disc (VCD) rentals in Banyumas regency previously closed by the ministry.

New VCD rental stores are also proliferating because the owners no longer have to obtain a permit from the ministry's office.

Banyumas Police chief Lt. Col. Jhony H. Hutauruk told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday he was confused about his next course of action.

"We cooperated with the information ministry's office to raid unlicensed VCD rentals. Now that the ministry is closed, we have no idea who and what institution is in charge of such an affair."

Hutauruk said local police raided unlicensed VCD rentals and seized hundreds of pornographic discs shortly before the ministry was closed last week.

He said there were 115 VCD rentals in the capital of Banyumas regency of Purworkerto before the ministry closed. "Only 70 of the rentals had operation permits, The other 45 were closed for lacking permits."

Many of the closed rentals have resumed their business.

In a related development, the office of the information ministry in Banjarnegara said on Tuesday it would not check VCD rentals.

"We won't take responsibility for anything relating to VCD rentals. There were 36 rentals, 27 of which had permits. Now we give up," said the head of the office, Soesmono. (45/sur)