LSF Partners with Udinus to Promote 'Self-Censorship' Culture
The Film Censorship Institute (LSF), through its ‘LSF Goes to Campus’ programme, has partnered with Dian Nuswantoro University (Udinus) in Semarang to promote the ‘National Movement for Self-Censorship Culture Literacy: Advancing Age-Appropriate Viewing Habits’.
Hairus Salim, Chair of the LSF’s Sub-commission for Self-Censoring Villages and Communities, reaffirmed in Semarang on Thursday the commitment to expanding education on the importance of choosing healthy viewing material. He explained that age classification regulations are established as a moral responsibility of the government without the imposition of criminal sanctions. Therefore, he noted, the success of this protection programme depends entirely on public awareness in filtering content for their immediate surroundings.
‘Self-censorship means the public is aware of filtering on their own whether content is suitable for viewing by their children, nephews, students, or pupils,’ he said. The challenge of filtering is considered increasingly urgent due to the massive digital flow that opens access to content freely without time or place restrictions.
Beyond the family’s role, this awareness must also be held by film creators to ensure consistency with age classifications from the very beginning of the production process. ‘We encourage filmmakers to be aware from now on. If a film is intended for All Ages (SU), then the content must be completely sterile from visuals, audio, or core stories that could influence children’s education,’ he stated.
Dr. Pujiono, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at Udinus’ Faculty of Computer Science, who attended representing the Udinus Rector, stated that digital literacy competence is crucial for students amidst the explosion of content volume easily accessible via mobile phones. ‘We welcome the LSF roadshow to the Udinus campus because we have study programmes in Animation, Film and Television, Communication Science, and Visual Communication Design (DKV),’ he said.
In the current digital era, he noted, the volume of films is enormous and can even be accessed simply by opening a mobile phone, so if one is not smart and selective, it will become a negative thing. The rules and ethics of self-censorship are expected not to limit students’ creativity, but rather to serve as a moral foundation that enriches their final projects. ‘Students must also be able to master the boundaries when producing films because film production has its ethics and objectives. This will equip students when creating film works to complete their studies,’ he said.
The event featured an interactive talk show with film experts and academics, including LSF Sub-commission Chair for Censorship Hadi Artomo, LSF Sub-commission Chair for Data and Information Dewi Rahmarini, and Udinus FTV Study Programme Lecturer Dr. Tunggul Banjaransari.