Censor oh Censor

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Is it still necessary to retain the Film Censorship Institute (LSF)? Filmmakers have taken the LSF to the Constitutional Court. They question the members of the organization, its performance and transparency. Its format is considered unable to protect children against violent scenes shown on television. Above all, this institute is considered as hindering the development of Indonesia’s movie industry.

Celebrating National Film Day last Mach 30, and while awaiting the Constitutional Court verdict, Tempo presents the workings of the LSF, known to be a closed institute. One report illuminates how LSF members conduct their daily business. Another compares censorship institutes in other Asian countries.

. tempo : 173225111622.

THE eight-story building on Jalan M.T. Haryono, block 47-48, Central Jakarta, is often called the Movie Building. It houses four offices of films, but the “soul” of the building is located on the eighth floor.

On this floor there are two rooms, each containing a wide screen with two plasma televisions on the right and left sides. Five meters from the screen a long table stands with five chairs in a row behind it.

In that plain room the mor

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