Condoms a touchy topic in Tangerang

JAKARTA (JP): Chief of the Tangerang Family Planning office Nandi Mulya has attracted the ire of housewives over a flirtatious condom ad aired during the day on a private radio station for youths.

Nandi views the commercial as positive because it educates youths to be responsible about their sexual behavior but many housewives think it would encourage sexual experimentation among their children.

"The ad is very well-intentioned and should not be seen from the negative side because youths also need sexual education," Nandi was quoted by Antara as saying Tuesday.

The office has been flooded with complaints from parents, notably housewives, who say the ad embarrass them.

They have demanded the ad featuring flirtatious voices be taken off air.

Jakarta private TV stations, apparently to avoid a similar controversy, air condom ads after 10 p.m.

Nandi argued that condom ads should not be considered taboo because the producers needed to socialize their products and educate the public about responsible sex at the same time.

Komariah, a 39-year-old housewife from Perumnas I in Tangerang who is raising several sons, is among the vehement critics of the radio ad.

She is worried about the "negative impact" of the commercial and is too embarrassed to explain the ABC of condoms.

Maysaroh, 41, of Pasarbaru, said: "I'm afraid my sons would be experimenting with condoms unless the family planning office does something to stop the ad."

Data from the Tangerang mayoralty shows that 300 registered couples use condoms but it believes the contraceptive is widely used in the dominantly Moslem area because it is available in drugstores, shops and kiosks. (pan)