Jokes have their limits: Moerdiono

Jokes have their limits: Moerdiono

JAKARTA (JP): Refrain from making religious or ethnic jokes,
however funny they may be, because they could be fatal for the
nation.

This warning was served on comedians by Minister/State
Secretary Moerdiono who said that such jokes would be divisive to
the unity and cohesion of the nation, according to the Antara
news agency.

Moerdiono was guest speaker at a gathering of some 400 local
comedians in Jakarta on Monday night. "We mustn't be overtly
impressed by western values," he said, stressing that comedians
must always observe the ethics and norms of eastern people.

"Don't ever pick for your joke materials issues relating to
our religion or beliefs."

Moerdiono stressed that jokes must avoid the four taboos,
known by the Indonesian abbreviation SARA, which are also
applicable to the media industry. The four letters stand for
ethnicity, religion, race and societal groups.

Over the past year, Moerdiono has made a number of appearances
at various art and cultural performances, often taking the stage
to contribute a song or two. This time, however, he refrained
from telling jokes to the audience. This did not mean that he
didn't appreciate one. "For me, a high strung society could
always do with fresh jokes. It is the duty of the comedians to
expose the ridicule and weaknesses of society."

Moerdiono also gave a pointer on how comedians could indulge
in social critiques. They should be given with subtlety, taking
into consideration the eastern customs, he said. (emb)