Ismira Lutfia – A prudent man does not make the goat his gardener. Nor, apparently, should a prudent television station broadcast the word "goat."
The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) told the Jakarta Globe on Monday that it had reprimanded two Jakarta-based television stations for broadcasting derogatory content, including the word "goat," in August.
Regional commission member Zainal Abidin Petir, in charge of monitoring program content, said that in the Aug. 27 episode of SCTV's popular Ramadan sinetron, "Para Pencari Tuhan" ("Seekers of God"), a character called Idrus violated standards by using the word "wedus," the Javanese word for "goat," which can also be translated as "tramp" or "beggar" and can be considered offensive in Javanese.
"He said the word many times because he was disappointed that God did not answer his prayers," Zainal said, adding that this could be deemed as blasphemous and did not set a good example for the audience.
Imam Sutarjo, a Javanese language expert from Surakarta's Sebelas Maret University, said that while it was normal to use that particular word to express anger in a small group or in interpersonal communications, the use of such a derogatory word on television should be avoided as it was disrespectful and unethical.
"Television is in the public domain and has an educational function. What it broadcasts can have an impact on the public, so it is better to use a neutral word to express one's anger," Imam said, without proffering any suitable alternatives.
SCTV spokesman Budi Darmawan said that the scene was in line with the character. "It was just an expression of the character's dissatisfaction," Budi said, adding that the program's creator and director Deddy Mizwar must have pondered using the word since the show was intended to be a religious program and promote good values in people's daily lives.
Deddy said in a text message to the Jakarta Globe that perhaps the program ought not to be watched in the Central Java area.
Meanwhile, Zainal also reprimanded RCTI for the Aug. 20 episode of its talk show "Masihkan Kau Mencintaiku?" ("Do You Still Love Me?"), in which a family's dirty laundry was aired publicly during a quarrel between in-laws. Zainal alleged that the show's hosts Helmi Yahya and Dian Nitami provoked the quarreling parties to disclose the family's secrets explicitly.
RCTI's spokesperson did not reply to the Jakarta Globe's inquiry about the reprimand.
"Such programs have misused television's educational, informational and entertainment role," Zainal said, adding that the commission had sent the reprimands to both broadcasters.