Entertainment programming
My lifetime in Indonesia has spanned three decades -- the last four years as a foreign journalist. As such, I could not be happier to see my Indonesian colleagues finally gain the true voice of journalists, and a level of "freedom of press". The yin of the yang in such freedom is the delicate balance of responsibility.
This balance is, by extension, a responsibility bestowed to media at all levels, including programming on public television. I can only say that I was shocked and dismayed to see the selection of "entertainment" chosen by SCTV on Dec. 27, in presentation of an action drama entitled Riot. The title alone should have been enough for programming executive to question the wisdom of such a selection. We are not looking for the "self- censure" as mandated under the old regime, but common sense in selecting the few English-language programs which are made available for local viewers.
Of the zillions of English-language programs available -- or even let's narrow it down to the "action" programs which seems to be the preferred selection of local viewers (or at least those who choose the programming for viewers) -- does a selection called Riot not send up any flares in these sensitive times? I watch the entire broadcast because there was no other English- language selection available. At least I watched until I was so angry I sat down to write this letter.
Look to the streets and cover what is actually happening in this country. That's drama enough. But to glorify it by a Hollywood presentation? The fact that Riot was a "Holiday" selection, in that it was set on Christmas Eve, is not an excuse. I can think of dozens of traditional and contemporary English- language "holiday" entertainment selections which would bring levity during these difficult times. This film did not even bring a redeeming message that we, living in a "riot-like" reality, cold learn a lesson from.
Nevertheless, SCTV chose Riot, a film that depicted disaster in a city, burning it to the ground, sending frightened citizens behind locked doors while hoodlums controlled the streets. It looked like Glodok in May. Beyond this, it depicted kidnapping of dependents of foreign nationals for ransom and the death of numerous "good guys" who were part of the "rescue team". In other words, it set up scenarios yet to be carried out by the as-yet- identified "underground" factions bent on destruction of Indonesia's social fiber.
To fathom that anything depicting and romanticizing any aspect of riot and mayhem should be appropriate to -- not only the holiday season but -- these sensitive, difficult and volatile times is beyond understanding.
While I have never been a fan of the continuous "blood and gore" selection of private television programmers in Indonesia, I must decry as a very poor selection the choice of Riot, to be aired as "holiday programming" in a very sensitive era for this nation. Perhaps programmers seek the most economical offerings from a limited synopsis provided by agents. But if this is a sample of what they wind up with, I'd rather watch another bad Indian movie dubbed in English or Indonesian, whatever the fluctuating current ruling tends to be.
Programmers, please review your selections and seek quality rather than economics. And give us something with redeeming value rather than blood and guts. There is plenty out there to choose from and, with the limited English-language programming you provide to the public, can you at least balance it with some bad and good -- a reflection of reality rather than a monotonous menu of what we see all too well reflected in the current circumstances around us on the streets today -- and ideas that the "Ninjas" haven't already yet come up with?
DEBE CAMPBELL
Bali