'Sinetron' and liquor problem

'Sinetron' and liquor problem

From Suara Karya

The electronic media is progressing very well, especially in terms of features and drama. But it has pushed Indonesian movies aside. Film actors now tend to opt for sinetron (TV movie serials) rather than the cinema, which is mostly screening shapely newcomers without much acting talent.

Sinetron has won the hearts of many families in the cities, as well as in the villages. Sinetron producers and broadcasters should, therefore, be held responsible for public morals since the story contents do not always depict Indonesia.

Quite recently following a ban on the sale of liquor, police made several raids which is justifiable since crime and violence is usually a result of the influence of alcohol. One such example was the murder of a police officer in Tegal and a senior army officer in Jakarta.

It is concerning therefore that TV programs on several private stations at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., showed youngsters drinking alcohol without any concern for the general public. But it does not stop there. Images of beautiful female bodies are gradually sneaking into these programs too.

We strongly appeal to the parties responsible for sinetron films not to divert from their original mission which is to help create a man in totality, before providing entertainment.

We are concerned because sinetron has become a part of many families; it is watched by fathers, mothers and children in the cities and in the villages. We would appreciate it if the improper scenes could be replaced with better images without changing the ethics and substance of the story.

H.A. ZAKY ARSLAN DJUNAID

Pekalongan, Central Java