Educate the public

Two important developments related to television took place last week. First, the proposal by the minister of information, supported by the minister of education and culture, for private television stations and theaters to dub all foreign films into Indonesian by Aug. 16 at the latest. This, according to the Minister of Education and Culture, would "promote the growth of the national culture and the national identity".

Second, the agreement among six television stations to reduce their screening of sex and violence, including in advertisements and video clips. According to the minister of information, programs that could have a adverse effect on the public will be axed.

As we see it, the intent of the six television stations to limit the screening of violence and sex is the most important. As acts of violence occur with greater frequency, people tend to point at the bad influence of television as the cause. Perhaps it is true that television has such an influence, although it is difficult to determine its extent. However, to blame television for the trend is to simplify the matter because violence is a social phenomenon that is interlinked with many other factors.

A law on broadcasting which, among other things, will regulate television programs, will be introduced soon. This, however, does not mean an end to all our problems, including the availability of programs of sadistic or sex-oriented content. Therefore, it is important that we nurture the public's capability to view television programs with a critical mind. Let the public become active in censoring their television programs. If a television station is repeatedly bombarded with letters of disapproval and protest from the public, its public standing and credibility will naturally be affected.

-- Surabaya Post