Anita Permata D, Fadhli Ruhman, Jakarta – The National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan) deemed that National Film Day should encourage the development of ethical principles in the film industry that integrates non-discriminative and non-violence values, including gender-based violence.
Komnas Perempuan's member, Veryanto Sitohang, through a statement on Thursday, said that the commission lauded the parties that have fought for the development of the film industry in Indonesia.
It also lauds these parties' efforts in making films as a space for education on gender equality and justice and non discrimination values, particularly toward vulnerable groups.
National Film Day is commemorated every March 30 and for this year it is themed "Reflecting on the Past, Planning for the Future."
The commission deemed that films in Indonesia, particularly soap operas, contain a sexist viewpoint that portrays women as a sexual creature, temptress, whiner, weak and other stereotypes.
Moreover, women workers in the film sector are vulnerable to violence, specifically sexual violence.
Komnas Perempuan's study on soap operas in several television stations also concluded that soap operas often promote values of gender inequality and sexism in audiovisual content.
The commission encouraged film organizations in Indonesia to issue a sexual violence prevention and handling mechanism that refers to Law No. 12 of 2022 on Sexual Violence Crime Law.
In addition, production companies are urged to produce soap operas that not only entertain but also educate and inform.
The film industry is also urged to support contents that promote gender equality and justice as well as are free from narrow stereotypes on women and other minority genders.
"This is done to ensure the prevention of discrimination and violence toward women as an effort to create a conducive environment for the eradication of violence in women," Sitohang remarked.