Open-air movie workers protest

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)