United perception sought to combat pornography

United perception sought to combat pornography

By A'an Suryana

JAKARTA (JP): Although they are supporting efforts to combat
pornographic publications, observers and religious figures called
for a united perception of pornography on Sunday to assure fair
justice for all concerned parties, including the media.

They were commenting on a decision by the South Jakarta
District Court to sentence Matra monthly chief editor Robertus
Riantiarno on Thursday to a five-month suspended jail term.

Deputy chairman of the Indonesian Committee for Islamic World
Solidarity (KISDI) Ahmad Sumargono and spokesman for the
Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) Father Sumantoro agreed that
the publications of pornographic pictures should be restricted.

"Any pictures, which evoke people's sexual desires, must not
be published in a religious country like Indonesia. They will
lead to immoral practices, such as rape," Sumargono told The
Jakarta Post, while referring to a recent case of a teenager who
raped his neighbor, a child, after watching an x-rated video
compact disc (VCD).

Father Sumantoro shared Sumargono's view, saying that the
publications were morally unacceptable.

"Pornographic pictures are dangerous as they exploit the
prurient desire of human beings," Sumantoro told the Post.

However, the issue has become more difficult as there is no
unified criteria here to judge whether a publication is
pornographic.

Media observer Alwi Dahlan said pornography was developed in
line with the advancement of civilization.

"Pornographic terms develop in all levels of society. What is
now tipped as a pornographic picture by the community may not be
considered pornography in the future," said Alwi, a former
minister of information.

Sumantoro said different groups in the community might have
different perceptions of pornography.

"Every culture has its own perception of pornography. A
picture may be considered pornographic by a culture, but others
may consider it as natural," he said.

He said it was high time to create an institution to discuss a
common perception of pornographic substances.

Sumargono said all parties concerned could form a watchdog to
define and set the boundaries of pornography, including pictures.

"The independent watchdog should include actors, cultural
observers, religious figures, the government and the media. They
discuss the criteria and establish it as law," said Sumargono,
who is also a legislator from the Crescent Star Party (PBB)
faction.

Riantiarno, also known as Nano, supported the establishment of
a watchdog.

"The criteria of what constitutes pornography is important for
journalists to carry out their journalistic duties," he said.

Nano regretted the judge's verdict, saying that the magazine
had published pictures of what he called as art.

"The judge has failed to provide clear arguments over what he
called pornographic pictures. It's understood that Todung Mulya
Lubis, our lawyer, has asked for an appeal," said Nano.

Alwi, however, suggested that the judge should issue a verdict
based on his/her feelings.

"The judge should make a verdict which is in favor of the
majority.

"Since it's difficult to determine the dominant will of the
majority, the judge should make a verdict in line with his/her
feelings," he said.

Secretary to city police spokesman Maj. Alex Mandalika
supported Alwi's statement.

"It is difficult to judge whether a picture is pornographic as
people have different perceptions and no law explicitly defines
what the pornographic term is," Mandalika said.

Alwi said the media should be maintained but the media must
not provoke the people's prurient interests.

"The media must produce interesting reports and pictures, but
the products must not go against the common norm of society. The
media must be retrospective before publishing any pictures so
that they will not breach social norms of society," he said.

Sumargono partially hailed the judge's decision to sentence
the editor.

"It sets a good precedent. There are more vulgar publications
than Matra today, but no stern actions have been taken by the
police. In this matter, Matra has been unfairly treated by the
law," he said.

Sumargono said people's protests against the pornographic
pictures were not necessary.

"Let the law decide since we are a country of law," he said.

Sumargono said the verdict was also a good lesson for the
media.

"The media has its limits. The verdict was a kind of slap on
the wrist, so that the media will not only push for provocative
and sensational reports, but will also strive for the nation's
morality," he said.