Ulemas on the censors' board

Ulemas on the censors' board

The controversy that has been raging during the past fortnight
over the film True Lies touches another, more essential,
dimension: that of the role of the ulemas (Moslem religious
leaders) as an institution, particularly in minimizing the
negative impacts of entertainment events.

Two weeks ago, the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (Indonesian Council
of Ulemas) threatened to withdraw its representatives from the
Film Censorship Board (BSF). It appears to have made true that
threat. Two MUI members -- who had been representing the voice of
the ulemas -- were absent from the board's plenary meeting which
was assembled to discuss the film True Lies on Wednesday.

It is not clear whether the MUI's decision is final. However,
the action appears to have been prompted by dissatisfaction over
the board's working mechanism so far. To us, the business that is
still unfinished concerns not so much the question of whether or
not the MUI is represented on the Film Censorship Board, but how
the ulemas -- as guardians of the believers' morals -- can play
their role effectively and with quality in taking film censorship
decisions. Even up to 10 MUI representatives on the board, for
instance, would carry little meaning if they cannot show their
quality as ulemas.

The MUI's declaration that their representatives in the Film
Censor Board are inactive should, therefore, not be seen as final
and non-negotiable. It would be wiser to use the case as an
opportunity for introspection by the various parties involved. It
would seem that the MUI should carefully consider the quality,
the capacities and the integrity of the people it wants to put on
the Film Censorship Board, or whatever it may be called in the
future. This involves not only their perception as ulemas and as
scholars, but also their sense of artistry.

-- Republika, Jakarta