Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) – "If it continues like this, will even the naked body of Christ on the cross be considered pornography?" This is what Catholics in Indonesia are asking after the Constitutional Court declared the anti-pornography law (enacted by the Government in 2008) to be compatible with Indonesian public policy.
Sources of Fides in Indonesia say that in Indonesian civil society, among moderate Muslims, Christians, and Hindu groups, as well as associations dedicated to protecting freedom and human rights - especially in eastern Indonesia- have challenged the document. "It is not that we are pro-pornography," explained Catholic sources of Fides, "but because it is feared that this law - accepting a controversial generic definition of 'pornography,' which includes 'any attitude and any artistic-cultural form of communication that excites a sexual instinct or is contrary to morality,' lends itself easily to exploitation: the fundamentalist Muslim fringe can use it to penalize non-Muslims and, ultimately, seek to impose strictly traditional customs, even the Sharia."
"Our angels are naked," an Indonesian priest told Fides ironically. "Will they be outlawed? This law comes at a time when the country is also debating the blasphemy law, which carries similar risks. Many Islamic leaders and intellectuals have called for a review of the measure on blasphemy, which is the wrong weapon to leave in the hands of radical Islamic groups. In the case of the anti-pornography bill, however, threats and insults have hit Catholic Judge Maria Farida, one of the nine judges of the Constitutional Court (the only woman and the only Catholic of the Court) because she courageously voted against this bill. We wish to express our support and our prayers for her."
Even when the text of the law was drafted two years ago, the Indonesian Bishops expressed strong doubts and misgivings, in part because the rules that regulate public morality and decency in Indonesia are already contained in other legislation. Indonesians in Christian circles believe that the measure is contrary to the "Pancasila" (the text of the five fundamental principles of the Indonesian state). Now it is hoped that the state will be vigilant over any possible exploitation and distortion of the law for use against non-Islamic minorities. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/3/2010)
