'I'm fed up with crime shows on TV'

'I'm fed up with crime shows on TV'

Police data indicates that crime rates in big cities,
particularly Jakarta, have been increasing. The media has been
criticized over its graphic coverage of criminal acts,
particularly in the form of TV shows which have distressed some
viewers. Some regular viewers of such programs share their
opinions with The Jakarta Post.

Yati, 17, is a housemaid who lives in Tangerang with her
family:

I like watching TV crime shows. I don't know why, I just like
it. I am home alone during the day so I suppose it kills time.

I can get relevant information from the programs. At least, I
am aware of criminal activity, particularly useful when I return
to my hometown.

I have no problem watching criminals arrested or mobbed, but
sometimes the graphic nature of the footage of dead bodies
disgusts me.

By having such shows on TV, criminals are alerted to the
possible consequences of their actions.

There is no problem with the coverage unless underage victims
are filmed, particularly in rape cases. In this case, It's better
if the presenter simply describes the incident.

In many instances the police officers seem to be over acting.
They point their guns, shoot unnecessarily or beat the nabbed
criminals. I am not sure that this is an accurate representation
of real life.

Budi, not his real name, 33, is a mechanic with a workshop in
Tangerang. He lives in Rajeg, Tangerang, with his wife:

I watch TV crime shows and so far I enjoy them.

I am even reminded of when I was arrested by the police (due
to drugs) a few years ago.

I was among three suspects who were interrogated by police
officers. They were so repressive. They released me after I
bribed them. Otherwise, I would have been put in jail despite the
fact that they were lacking in enough evidence to charge me.

Watching police officers dealing with drugs dealers on TV
makes me skeptical. I think they are just trying to make
themselves look good.

In fact, in some cases, large-scale dealers bribe the police
and save themselves by victimizing smaller dealers.

I don't have any problem with the vulgarity of such reports.
I'm am just afraid that the shows will have a bad influence on
uneducated people, inspiring them to commit copycat crimes.

The shows may be a reference point, so that in an
uncontrollable situation they resort to such behavior.

Lilik, 37, is a housewife who resides in Total Persada,
Tangerang, with her husband:

I am fed up with the crime shows on TV. They are monotonous.

Murder, robbery, rape and drugs problems are among the boring
issues aired by TV stations.

There is nothing newsworthy I guess. The shows are no longer
interesting to me, although I used to enjoy watching them.

If murder victims or rape victims are filmed explicitly it
seems unethical.

However, I approve of the close-up shots of mobbed criminals
because it shows other criminals the possible consequences of
their deeds.

But I prefer to watch gossip shows or infotainment, they are
more entertaining.

-- Leo Wahyudi S.