Rhoma Irama

Rhoma Irama
responds

From Media Indonesia

In connection with reports in a number of print media and TV
stations about the conflict between Inul Daratista and myself, I
would like to clarify several things because these reports, which
I think have been distorted, have tended to discredit my
reputation.
* I have never prohibited the mass media from reporting on Inul,
as the right to produce such reports is protected in the
prevailing law and regulations on the freedom of the press.
* It is true that I have prohibited Inul and television stations
from showing my songs being performed in a way that is against
decency and might arouse feelings of erotic sensuality.
* This so-called conflict has been settled within our
organization, the Indonesian Association of Malay Music Artists
(PAMMI) and before me. As a representative of the dangdut music
community and the affected community, Inul asked to be forgiven
and promised that she would immediately stop using erotic style
or movements in future performances. Inul has also called on
fellow artists to help build the nation's morality.
* Limited space and air time have meant that the print and
electronic media have reported only part of what really happened
in a meeting between Inul and myself, an occasion originally
closed to the public.

I hope that with this information the press can help clarify
the matter, calm the situation down and prevent the
disintegration of this nation, by presenting balanced reports
regarding Inul and me.

H. RHOMA IRAMA
Jakarta