Pramono: Billboards Like the 'I Must Die' Film Should Not Be Repeated

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has spoken out regarding the removal of billboards for the film ‘Aku Harus Mati’, which was deemed sensitive to the public, particularly those suffering from depression and mental disorders. According to him, the installation of sensitive advertising materials must not happen again as it can disturb society. “Things like this are just to attract the public by putting up sensitive advertisements, and this impacts society, so this must not be repeated,” said Pramono on Monday (6/4/2026). Pramono mentioned that the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has also coordinated with the DKI Jakarta Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) regarding the matter. Not only that, Pramono said he has instructed the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) to take down the billboards. “I have received reports from the deputy coordinator of the special staff and the Head of the Communication, Informatics, and Public Relations Office. Then in the field, we have coordinated with KPI DKI Jakarta and Satpol PP, including the advertising bureau; the billboards have been taken down,” explained Pramono. Previously, the Head of Satpol PP DKI Jakarta, Satriadi Gunawan, stated that his side had coordinated with the advertising bureau displaying the advertisement. As a result, the film’s billboard was removed. The producer of the film ‘Aku Harus Mati’, Iwet Ramadhan, provided clarification that the removal of the advertising materials was not due to pressure but indeed in accordance with the scheduled marketing strategy that had been prepared. Although the billboard garnered varied responses, the production house emphasised that they remain committed to adhering to applicable regulations. Iwet stated that all promotional materials, including the controversial billboard design, had undergone an official evaluation process by government institutions before being installed publicly. The film, written by Aroe Ama, tells the story of Mala (Hana Saraswati), an orphan trapped in a hedonistic lifestyle. In pursuit of luxury, she falls into a cycle of debt from online loans and paylater services. In desperation, Mala returns to the orphanage where she was raised and reunites with her childhood friends, Tiwi (Amara Sophie) and Nugra (Prasetya Agni), as well as Ki Jago (Bambang Paningron).