The Indonesian government has supported the decision of the country's censorship board to ban the film "Balibo" with the Minister of Culture and Tourism Jero Wacik stating that it is not fit to be screened in cinemas.

"For the sake of the country, the movie is not fit for playing in theaters. The movie is political," Jero said at the State Palace on Friday.

Jero said that the movie discredited Indonesia and its military and that after watching the film he agreed with the censorship board's decision to ban it. "Banning a movie is the board's authority. I agree with their decision even though I can not interfere with it," he said.

Jero claimed that despite some people's disappointment about the ban, the country's interests were a priority. "Maybe there are people who feel victimized or unsatisfied (with the ban). But it is for the country's interest, the security and welfare of the people in the future," Jero said.

He said the movie could negatively influence the relationships between Indonesia, East Timor and Australia. "It's over. It (the movie) could create conflicts," Jero said.