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.