http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7096144.stm
Last Updated: Thursday, 15 November 2007, 12:19 GMT
Indonesia censors in court fight
By Lucy Williamson
BBC News, Jakarta
Film-makers in Indonesia have brought a case before the
constitutional court, asking for the censorship board to be disbanded.
They say that the film law is outdated, and that the board is
trampling on their constitutional rights.
The petition has been backed by some of the biggest names in
Indonesian cinema.
The board describes its goals as unifying society and preparing it
for change, while protecting it from any negative impact.
Repressive rule
The film law which provides the legal basis for the censorship
board was last updated under the repressive rule of former President Suharto in
1992.
The board has jurisdiction over all movies, commercials, TV films
and music videos released in Indonesia.
Many independent film-makers complain that it routinely cuts
scenes, including some related to historical events.
One of the country's foremost directors, Nia Dinata, told the BBC
that the board was still scared of film's influence over people, and that it
was holding back the industry's creativity.
<<o.gif>>
