Voicing concern over tv programs, Indonesian artists come to NU hq

Jakarta, NU Online
Indonesia's artists and figures came to the NU headquarters on Thusrday to complain about non-educative television programs.

The General Chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Hasyim Muzadi made the statement at a monthly religious gathering, held by Nahdlatul Ulama Preaching Institution (LDNU) on Thursday evening.<>

Hasyim said, many television programs were really immoral and had even damaged young generations.

"Electronic cinemas (sinetron) or films, most of their contents are about cheating, domestic violence, and so on," Hasyim said, adding that the programs also featured "schoolchildren going out at schools and wearing school uniforms."

The caretaker of the Al Hikam Islamic boarding "Pesantren" school expressed his deeply concern over the gossip "infotainment" shows continuing talking more about individuals' privacy.

Hasyim further added, there should be such concrete measures in dealing with negative impacts of the immoral and indecent programs. "The problem is that the power of capitals as the government has no such a tusk in facing them."

Formerly, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono asked the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) to supervise and admonish television stations which continue showing programs containing elements of sadism, gossip, mysticism, humiliating women, and loss of national identity.

Based on the existing broadcasting guidelines, television programs should call for good morality, education, good performance, respect of women, and causing no depression to children. (rif)