FPI steamed about nude Adam, Eve

FPI steamed about nude Adam, Eve

Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Actor Anjasmara and model Isabella were reported to the Jakarta
Police on Thursday by an extreme right wing Islamic group for
allegedly posing nude in a photograph displayed since Sept. 17 at
the Bank Indonesia Museum in Central Jakarta.

The Islam Defenders Front (FPI), which apparently is not
pleased with the artistic photo, also reported photographer Davy
Linggar to the police.

FPI member Jafar Sidik alleged that the three had insulted
Islam by portraying Adam and Eve in the nude. Adam is believed to
be a holy prophet by Muslims, which accounts for around 85
percent of Indonesia's 220 million people.

Jafar also said that the pictures were considered
pornographic, and could contribute to immorality among teenagers
who see the exhibition.

"The pictures display the classical story of Adam and Eve in
Eden. How could they depict a prophet in the nude like that," he
queried after filing a complaint at the Jakarta Police
headquarters.

Jafar stated that "many people had come to them complaining
about the nude pictures", which according to the complaints had
aroused sexual desires among young people.

Jafar alleged that the actor, model and photographer had
violated Articles 156 and 282 of the Criminal Code, which carries
a maximum punishment of five years imprisonment.

Article 156 stipulates that people who express or do something
that insults a religion in Indonesia can get a maximum punishment
of five years, while Article 282 states that people who publicly
display pornographic pictures or writing can get a maximum
sentence of one and a half years in prison.

News reports said earlier that Anjasmara had repeatedly asked
for forgiveness from anyone offended by the photo.

He said that he had no other intention but to create art.

Anjasmara also denied that the picture were pornographic as
people should look at the whole concept and the beauty of the
picture.

He said that he was not completely naked when the picture was
taken because he was still wearing underwear during the photo
session.

The FPI has reported several celebrities for various perceived
legal violations over the past few months.

Music band Dewa was reported to police because FPI thought the
group had insulted Islam by using Allah's name on the cover of
its album. Dewa and FPI agreed to settle the case out of court.

FPI also reported Miss Indonesia and Miss Transvestite
Indonesia because they deemed them to be an insult to Muslims in
Indonesia. Those cases are still being investigated.