Closed VCD rentals back in business

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)