Festive and rowdy TV programs

On Jan. 6 at 8 p.m. Metro TV aired a video of the tsunami in action which was recorded by a family member of the Aceh Police chief who also perished in the disaster. The family video, which showed the moments after the earthquake and those leading to the actual disaster, couldn't have described better how powerful and lethal the waves were.

It was terrifying enough for the viewers to watch the forceful wall of water crashing into everything that was in its path. It was disturbing also to see the distraught family members in total panic and I wonder with concern whether such private moments should have been put on air.

As I switched to other channels, I stumbled upon a more disturbing scene; a scene in which a male singer and a group of female dancers joyously sang Indonesia mengoyang gyrating merrily to the beat, as if in mockery of the solemn theme of Metro TV Indonesia menangis (Indonesia cries).

It turned out to be a dangdut program of Trans TV. I may be overreacting by feeling revolted. It's a shame that some of the TV stations don't show enough sensitivity by temporarily refraining from airing program of such nature at least to show respect for the hundreds of thousands of Achenese who have died in the disaster and millions of survivors who are still struggling to come to terms with the tremendous losses. These TV stations may be collecting a large sum of money for charity for the victims, but they should realize that the simple courtesy of temporarily suspending excessively festive and rowdy programs is also an equally charitable act.

We don't have to put on a solemn face to show that we care, or cry in public to show our sadness. Neither do we have to stay away from our normal activities, or do anything else that is beyond our means to help the victims. Life does go on and the lives of the living should go on as pleasantly as possible and we can do so in many respectful ways. A little civility goes a long way.

S. W. TJAHJONO, Jakarta