Controversy over "I Must Die" Billboard: Pram: Sensitive Advertising, Should Not Be Repeated

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has spoken out regarding the removal of billboards for the film “Aku Harus Mati,” which were deemed sensitive to the public, particularly for those suffering from depression and mental disorders. According to him, the placement of sensitive advertising materials must not be repeated as it can disrupt society. “Things like this are just to attract the public by posting sensitive advertisements, and this impacts society, so it must not happen again,” Pramono said in central Jakarta on Monday. Pramono mentioned that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is also coordinating with the DKI Jakarta Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) regarding the matter. Not only that, Pramono said he has instructed the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) to remove the billboards. “I have received reports from the deputy special staff coordinator and the Head of the Communication, Informatics, and Public Relations Office. Then in the field, we have coordinated with DKI Jakarta KPI and Satpol PP, including the advertising bureau; the billboard has been taken down,” Pramono explained. Previously, DKI Jakarta Satpol PP Chief Satriadi Gunawan stated that his side had coordinated with the advertising bureau displaying the ad. As a result, the film billboard was taken down. The producer of the film “Aku Harus Mati,” Iwet Ramadhan, provided clarification that the removal of the advertising materials was not due to pressure but was indeed in accordance with the scheduled marketing strategy that had been prepared. Although the billboard garnered varied responses, the production house emphasised that they remain committed to complying with applicable regulations. Iwet stated that all promotional materials, including the controversial billboard design, had undergone an official assessment process by government agencies before being displayed to the public. It is known that the film, written by Aroe Ama, tells the story of Mala (Hana Saraswati), an orphan trapped in a hedonistic lifestyle. In pursuit of luxury, she falls into a cycle of online loan and paylater debts. In desperation, Mala returns to the orphanage where she was raised and reunites with her childhood friends, Tiwi (Amara Sophie) and Nugra (Prasetya Agni), as well as Ki Jago (Bambang Paningron).