No kick out of Saigon Kick

No kick out of Saigon Kick

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Many Balinese youths do not get a kick out of a Saigon Kick video clip shot in the famed Uluwatu Beach.

Many of them have written letters to Bali Post and Nusa Tenggara Post, both locally-based newspapers, to protest the clip promoting The One album of the Miami-based rock band.

They say the clip shows disrespect towards Balinese Hindus.

The clip shows the band performing before huge waves. Uluwatu Beach is popular among local and foreign surfers because of its surf. What particularly offended the Balinese was the part where the singer, who is "inappropriately dressed", performed the number in Meru, a sacred temple.

Written complaints were also sent to Richard Buntario, director of the Broadcast Design Indonesia, which produced the Rp 30 million clip. Buntario reportedly claimed he had the permission of local religious leaders and the village head to shoot the film.

Ketut Wiana of the Buddhist Council said that, while he had not seen the video clip, it would be better if the clip was dropped altogether to pacify Balinese Hindus, especially since they are preparing to mark Silence Day next week. (20)