Suing 'Smackdown'
Wednesday, 29 November, 2006 | 14:32 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: The National Commission for Child Protection has asked the Lativi TV station, to stop broadcasting Smackdown programs which have resulted in the death of one boyand wounded six others.

Reza Ikhsan Fadillah, 9, a Bandung resident, died on November 16 due to beating and hurling of his friends who imitated actions first made by Vince McMahon, a show host who set up a wrestling match between boxer Muhammad Ali and Japanese wrestler Antonio Inotakim.

“The impact of this TV show on children is very destructive,” said Seto Mulyadi, Head of National Commission for Child Protection in Jakarta yesterday (28/11).

According to him, Smackdown can be imitated very effectively by children.

This is because this high-rated show—which once rated 5.2 according to research organization AC Nielsen and beat Super Deal 2 Milyar quiz show—exposes male body's beauty: macho, strong and brave.

“Children,” said Seto, “are the best imitators of actions on television.”

He went on to say the Commission received many reports from the general public regarding the negative effects of the show, which also sells quickly in PlayStation game format.

Seto is also suspicious that the victims of beating and hurling using Smackdown methods are more than what have been reported.

The Indonesia Broadcasting Commission (KPI) summoned Lativi yesterday after the regional KPI reported that there had been a death due to the theatrical wrestling show.

Unfortunately, the meeting did not result in any measures against the TV station.

“We will have plenary meeting first, there will be a decision in two days,” said KPI member Ade Armando.

According to him, on March 29 this year, KPI and Lativi agreed that SmackDown could only be broadcasted after 10pm WIB (Western Indonesian Time).

But the provision was broken.

After becoming a favorite show, it was then broadcast everyday at 9pm WIB.

“We have warned Lativi,” said Ade. “But there was no reply because this program obtains a lot of commercials.”

Raldi Doy, Lativi spokesperson, said he will wait for KPI's decision.

He could only confirm that now SmackDown is being broadcast at 11pm WIB again.

“To move the show time was a great effort,” he said.

MUSTAFA MOSES | EKO NOPIANSYAH