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Balinese opposes draft law on pornography

Detik.com - February 10, 2006

Gede Suardana, Bali – The controversy over the draft law (RUU) on pornography is growing stronger. Bali has explicitly declared that it rejects the draft law because it will damage Bali's economy if tourists can no longer sunbathe on the beaches of Kuta.

"Don't study this RUU any more and end discussions on it because it will create clashes. Such as in Bali, what about later on the beach if [you] aren't allowed to wear a bikini. Clearly this will destroy the Balinese people's economy", said a representative from the Indonesian Hindu Youth Association (Peradah), Bagus Artajaya when speaking to Detik.com on Friday February 10.

The head of Balinese Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI) I Putu Gede Indriawan Karna likewise said that it is precisely these kind of drafts laws that will create the possibility of national disintegration. "After reading it several times, the RUU appears to be an effort to include Islamic law into the RUU. This could create national disintegration", he added.

Kasih Luh Anggraeni from the women's non-government organisation Forum Perempuan Mitra meanwhile also declared their objections to the draft law because it will exploit women. "We are totally opposed to the RUU being ratified because it is precisely women that will be the victims of exploitation. The limits (in the draft law) are in accordance with men's [views] exclusively, if it can this RUU [should be] rejected outright", she said.

Conversely, the Balinese chapters of the Muhammadiyah Student Association (IMM) and the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) support the draft law. "We support this RUU but several things must be review in order that it is not interpreted falsely", said IMM spokesperson Sugromalizi.

A member from the House of Representative, the Reverend Max Demetouw, believes the draft law is actually aiming to rehabilitate the nation's next generation of youth, particularly in Jakarta. "Personally I don't agree with this RUU. This is because of looking at the diversity of cultures especially in eastern Indonesia", he said.

No matter what is said, the draft law continues to reap controversy. The government must be astute and sensitive in making a decision least it be trapped in issues of definition such as the meaning of "commonplace". (wiq)

[Translated by James Balowski.]

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