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)