Playwright plans to sue police

JAKARTA (JP): Playwright Ratna Sarumpaet appointed the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) yesterday to represent her in a possible lawsuit against National Police Chief Gen. Dibyo Widodo over the banning of her play about slain labor activist Marsinah.

Ratna said the ban was an act of despotism and violated the 1995 directive issued by the National Police chief.

The directive stipulates that cultural events, including musicals, dance, poetry, opera performances, pantomime and plays, do not require police permission or prior notification.

"We can not just stand still... we need a clear explanation on this," Ratna told reporters.

The decision to file a suit would be pending a reply from Dibyo to hold a dialog on why the play was banned.

It was the second time in a fortnight that the monologue play had been banned. Prior to Saturday's banning in Bandung, West Java, the play was forbidden from going ahead on Nov. 26 in Surabaya, East Java.

Marsinah Menggugat (Marsinah Accuses) is a tribute to the activist -- who was murdered in East Java in 1993 -- by playwright and actress Ratna Sarumpaet and her Satu Merah Panggung theater group.

Earlier in the afternoon, Ratna took her complaint to the National Commission on Human rights.

Members of the commission said the banning of the play was a disgrace.

B.N. Marbun said the nation's image could be tarnished as police disrupted an activity which was due to take place at a venue operated by the French Cultural Center in Bandung.

"I'd also be offended if an Indonesian embassy abroad was disturbed by foreign police," Marbun said.

Another commission member, Clementino Dos Reis Amaral, said the officers responsible for the ban should be punished.

Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung suggested yesterday that any dissatisfaction against the police's decision should be taken to court.

"The organizers should file a lawsuit with the local court," Feisal told a hearing with Commission I for security and defense.

National Police Chief Gen. Dibyo Widodo said the decision to stop the performance was made merely on security grounds.

"The police prefer to take preventive rather than repressive actions," Dibyo said.

When asked why earlier performances in seven cities, including Jakarta, were not banned, Dibyo said security conditions varied in each region. (10/imn)