The National Commission on Human Rights Rejects Pornography Bill
Friday, 26 September, 2008 | 13:53 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) rejected the pornography bill as it is considered interfering with privacy. “We clearly reject it. It is not ethical to generalize a perception of a moral value,” said the Commission member Yoseph Adi Prasetyo in Jakarta yesterday.

Yoseph explained the regulation on the pornography issue actually can be covered under the Criminal Code. Special regulations can cause it to overlap with other bills.

Some elements in the community have been rejecting the approval of the regulation including Central Java and Bali. There are about five Articles considered controversial and potential for multi-interpretation.

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) also has rejected the bill. A member of a special committee drafting the pornography bill of the PDIP faction Agus Sasongko said it is possible to revise the whole controversial Article.

“However, we prefer this regulation draft to be canceled,” said Agus.

He said the bill can cause conflict. “It is very complicated,” he said.

Meanwhile, the faction from the Prosperous Peace Party (PDS) disagreed with the bill as well. “We have sent a letter about it,” said Tiurlan Hutagaol.

Papuans also rejected the bill. The Papuan cultural figure Karel P Erari said Papuans will not follow the bill. “It discriminates against tribal groups in Papua,” said Karel explaining Papuan culture has nothing to do with pornography.

PURWANTO | TITIS SETYANINGTYAS | HERU TRIYONO | AQIDA SWAMURTI