MUI's concern: Why only Inul?

MUI's concern: Why only Inul?

From Koran Tempo

Recently, the central board of the Indonesian Council of
Ulemas (MUI) stated that the gyrating movements of singer Inul
were forbidden on a religious basis. In the council's opinion,
Inul, known as the Queen of Gyrating Movement, gyrates her hips
in a vulgar manner. As a result, Inul cannot perform in several
areas.

Without any intention to defend or blame anybody, I would like
to ask MUI why the council has prohibited only Inul's gyrating
movements.

Every day, TV commercials present female figures who display
parts of their bodies that should be well-covered. There are also
TV programs and imported TV films that contain vulgar sensuality.

In my opinion, both Inul's gyrating hip movements and TV
commercials, TV programs, as well as imported TV films referred
to above are concerned with the morality of the nation. MUI and
relevant government agencies must work together in the interests
of protecting the morality of the nation.

I'm not against what's on television. There are quite a lot of
good TV programs. As a matter of fact, TV films, TV programs and
TV commercials that exploit sex are seen more regularly than
Inul's performances, as they have a regular screening schedule.

It must be admitted that both -- Inul's gyrating hip movement,
and "sexploitational" TV commercials, TV programs and imported TV
films -- are the product of Indonesia's private television
stations. These stations are oriented to entertainment and
business more than fulfilling the other functions of the mass
media: education and information.

Within that context, MUI should also be courageous enough to
demand the prohibition of vulgar TV commercials and programs.

ADE SA'DIYAH AHMAD, Bandung