Open-air movie workers protest

JAKARTA (JP): More than 20 managers and workers at open-air movie theaters visited the National Commission on Human Rights yesterday to protest intimidation from police officers and soldiers.

Sonny P. Sasono, chairman of the open-air movie managers and workers union, said they frequently faced not only personal intimidation but also closure unless they paid "additional compensation" for permits to screen movies both in the city and the suburbs.

"We feel insecure doing business. We hope the commission can warn both the officers and the soldiers," Sonny said.

He said the union had also asked the government to end a monopoly on film distribution, which is currently controlled by companies owned by business tycoon Sudwikatmono.

The union also urged the Ministry of Information to review its regulation banning open-air screenings until two years after films have been screened at movie theaters.

"We want the regulation to allow the screening of new films, or at least within half a year after being screened at movie theaters," he said.

Commission member B.N. Marbun promised to help the union by sending letters to related authorities. (jun)