Golkar website hacked over porn law

Slamet Susanto ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta/Yogyakarta   |  Sat, 03/29/2008 1:08 AM  |  Headlines

Hackers took over the Golkar Party’s official website Friday to denounce a new bill that outlaws adult content online.

The international news section of the website was filled with a message that read: “... Sorry Mr. Admin, this is just a message to Mrs. Roy.”

Clicking on the message linked viewers to another page headed by the Golkar Party symbol with images of three bare-shouldered women, one with the pasted-on face of telecommunications expert Roy Suryo.

The website was back to normal by Friday afternoon. However, a hacker did leave another short message, “Thank you, Golkar, for an easily detected security hole.”

Golkar’s was the second website to come under attack by hackers after the government announced it would block access to all pornographic websites as part of the newly passed bill on electronic information and transactions.

The bill threatens to jail users and providers of pornographic websites for six years. The House, where Golkar controls the most seats, unanimously endorsed the bill.

On Thursday, the official website of the Communications and Information Ministry was hacked for several hours.

Telecommunications expert Roy Suryo, who played a key role in drafting the bill, claimed the attack on the ministry’s website was revenge from those who frequented pornographic sites.

Deputy Chief of Golkar’s communication and information division, Achmad Annama, said Friday the party would report the attack to the police.

“We will submit our report to the Jakarta Police tomorrow (Saturday),” Achmad said as quoted by Antara news agency. He said the party would cooperate with Roy Suryo in reporting the case.

It was the third time hackers have targeted Golkar’s website since 2004. The two previous attacks occurred in 2004 and 2007.

Meanwhile, Internet cafe owners in Yogyakarta doubted the effectiveness of efforts to prevent Internet users from accessing adult-oriented websites. (alf)

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