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