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Of bathing and bikinis: Porn law claims yet more victims
Agus Maryono , The Jakarta Post , Purwokerto | Sat, 12/20/2008 8:46 AM | Headlines
The association of tour guides at the Baturraden holiday resort in Banyumas, Central Java, has blamed the much-decried anti-pornography law for a slew of recent cancellations by Dutch tourists planning to visit the area.
Association chairman Tekad Santoso said Friday he had received several emails from Dutch would-be holidaymakers saying they were canceling their visits over fears they could fall foul of the law while enjoying Baturraden’s attractions.
“It’s true, they said they were afraid the police would arrest them for bathing in the local sulfur springs,” Te-kad said.
Baturraden, he went on, was a popular destination among Dutch tourists, with an average of two tour groups visiting the resort each week.
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Observer from afar (not verified) — Tue, 12/30/2008 - 2:20pm
Yes there are a lot of people upset about the new anti porn law aren't there? Well, aside from all the comments about how stupid it is, the majority coming from foreigners, there are a lot of Indonesians who do not like the law either as it will affect them in some way or another. Problem being is that this law is law made by people with a vested interests, and the as with any developing country, the people do not have a collective voice.
In reality there are a lot of kneejerk reactions and it really wont make a great deal of difference to the way people live their lives in the majority. There will be a lot of unhappy Indonesian girls though who have been able to wear tank tops without hassle, now they will just have to wear a full tshirt.
I wonder if showing a belly button with a mid-drift top is going to be outlawed?
Florian Laur (not verified) — Sat, 12/27/2008 - 10:19am
They really should add a "if you dare" to their "Visit Indonesia 2009" campaign...why don't they use a nice illustrious picture of a prison, to make sure every tourist will be scared to death to visit Indonesia? That should do the trick...I thought that things that are totally unlogical and contradictive are mostly a European domain, but it seems the Indonesians are equal or better at it(that's at least my experience over the past 3 years). Starting from the stupid visa laws(what are they afraid of anyways? That they'll have thousands of bule, hiding in bushes as illegal aliens, living a miserable life, hiding from the police and abusing Indonesia's "excellent" welfare system?) that costs Indonesia a few billion dollar each year(and those dollar go to Singapore or other neighbouring countries) and ending with a stupid law like this. It's pretty much like with that new mining law, which seems to be benefitial for some members of the parliament, but definitely not for the people of Indonesia. Besides, aside from the fact that some tourists might be endangered...from what I know, it would mostly be Indonesians, who have to suffer from this stupid law, if wearing bikinis or other things will be punished with prison(but rather a decent bribe). Wouldn't it be easier to just mug the tourists at the airport and give them back their empty wallets after they got some money wired when they want to leave the country? Indonesia, your leaders are like selfish children:(!
Peter Wormer (not verified) — Sat, 12/27/2008 - 4:31am
The recent "Porn" law is proof positive that the Power structure in Indonesia feels threatened enough to extend their thirst for control into every facet of Indonesian life.Look back in history and one can easily see how the corruption as practised by the Dutch Colonial powers has morphed (Post Independence)into Indonesian Institutionalized Corruption from the top echelons of government (yes -even the Presidency has not been spared) down to where the everyday Indonesian citizen (after almost 50 yrs) still has no voice in the Stewardship of their hard-fought Independence from their Colonial Masters.Proof.????...Remember "Bambang" would bring reform????..His Problem has been, and continues to be:.HOw can he stop corruption by powerful generals, when he himself was one of "Them"...?
Akherat (not verified) — Thu, 12/25/2008 - 8:28am
Thanks for your comments about my country but i believe that every country has its own rules and this law is one of our rules. Please respect that. If you decide not to visit Indonesia that's fine but again i believe that you all are educated people who know how to express your opinion. And as to The jakarta Post, i can tell that you are so biased in seeing this matter,you are taking side. can't you be more objective?
C.L. Anulga (not verified) — Thu, 12/25/2008 - 12:16am
Well done, SBY government! The Porn Law fits the global crisis! We are all proud of you! One important decision in 5 years! Wow!
R Kaneshiro (not verified) — Wed, 12/24/2008 - 1:42pm
No wonder, even the head of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) is a corruptor. the current government is not doing right in the fight against corruption? TV ad: "TIDAK", more in TIDAK APA-APA or TIDAK CUKUP UANGNYA.
Imbicile (not verified) — Wed, 12/24/2008 - 8:04am
No big deal (not verified) — Sat, 12/20/2008 - 10:45am
Don't worry about it if the Dutch or the other nationals are not coming to Indonesia just because of the porn law.
Sit around and relax then. Life will be much easier this way.
>> yeah rite just relaxxx.. while the other country already advance and trying to reach the star.. with this backward, lazy, careless attitude.. we can still herd goats and cow... dont worry just sit back relax and drink your hot coffee, the world will slow down justt for u.... (only in ur dreams)
R.astari — Tue, 12/23/2008 - 2:47pm
Okay, so what's next? A total isolation from the outer world? Imagine Turkmenistan, where internet is highly forbidden, everyone is a suspect to political conspiracy that might ruin the country, outsiders are treated as major threats, no music and other artistic expressions are allowed, no other books but one must be read, and...hurrah, we start becoming the most paranoid country in the universe after Turkmenistan. Oh, don't forget that women will lose their basic rights on everything. They might no longer be treated as equal human beings but mere objects.
Thank you very much, Indonesia. Hail to SBY.
I'm so outta here!
Reader (not verified) — Tue, 12/23/2008 - 11:07am
Just don't forget: tourists do NOT nead Indonesia. There are many other beautiful places with people more openminded.
But how about those Indonesians living off tourism????? Better think twice how to act in future! That is for the Indonesian authorities!
John wilfred (not verified) — Tue, 12/23/2008 - 10:09am
What is wrong with nakedness.
any human that say naked skin is pornographic is sick.
we are all born naked is here nothing more beautiful than that .