A debate about pornography is growing in Indonesia. The controversy has been sparked by news that Playboy magazine has signed a deal to produce a local edition. Parliament's expected to pass a law this year banning sensual diplays of the body. But there are fears Indonesia could be heading back into the dark ages of censorship and repression.
Presenter/Interviewer: Marion MacGregor
Speakers: Dr Ahmad Syaffi Maarif, former head of Indonesian Muslim group Muhammadiyah; Women's rights activist Smita Notosusanto; Janet de Neefe, director of the Ubud Writers festival in Bali.
MacGregor: You don't need to look hard to find porn in most countries, and modern Indonesia's no exception. So called 'soft porn' photos can be found in calendars, magazines and tabloid papers just about everywhere, and the hardcore stuff on DVD is now readily available on the street. And of course, any kind of porn you want is only as far away as the local internet cafe.
As early as 1995, the Indonesian government was trying to block porn on the internet, without success. Now, they're getting serious, introducing laws against all kinds of public display of flesh, and more.
Dr Ahmad Syaffi Maarif is the former head of the Muslim group Muhammadiyah which has 40 million members. He says the country is in a state of moral decline.
Syaffi Maarif: Because you see Indonesia is a Muslim country, and most of the people practise rare religions, Islam Catholic Christianity, Buddhist and so on. They do not want to see the younger generation go into a moral decadence. this is the main reason why the law the regulation of anti-pornography should be implemented. Because we don't want to lead the nation into moral relativism. You know Indonesia is a trembling nation now. Corruption is here, is rampant here, mismanagement is with us. If the moral problem cannot be overcome, I think it would be very difficult for this nation to survive.
MacGregor: But not everyone is happy about the law which would mean that in a few months time, it could be an offence to show your belly button, hips or thighs Wearing low-cut jeans or shorts and a crop top could land you in jail for two years. Women's rights activist Smita Notosusanto says it's hard to see what this has to do with pornography.
Notosusanto: What they are proposing is actually two things: First is to regulate individual morality regulating on how people should wear. What kind of things that they should wear. And the defintiaion of the proper way of dressing up is that you don't arouse a desire on the part of the opposite sex. That's just a bizarre definition I think. How could you really be sure that even if you cover yourself up that you don't attract a sexual desire from the opposite sex.
MacGregor: Opponents of the law which sees no difference between pornography and nudity have pointed out that it would make criminals of most of the population of Papua and Bali. It will also mean the end of traditional Balinese dance. Indeed, Janet de Neefe, the director of the Ubud Writers festival in Bali, says all forms of art and expression risk coming under attack.
De Neefe: People are saying well the parliament they don't even know the difference between film and dancing and all of that... and then artists also are concerned that it will affect their artwork, representation of nudes, life drawing. I think the art community the writing community, I know in Bali they're even saying well if they bring this in then better we become independent. So people are very concerned about this.
MacGregor: Public opinion in Indonesia may be divided over the anti-pornography bill, but the parliament is not. It's almost certain to pass the bill some time this year. Janet de Neefe says large demonstrations are already being planned.
De Neefe: I know that there will be big demonstrations over this because people are seeing that it's going back to the dark ages at a time when Indonesia really needs to move forward and project a more modern perspective in a way they just feel that this is a huge slap in the face.