President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono finally speaks up on the porn videos allegedly featuring local celebrities that have spread widely in the Internet and apparently drawn foreign interests.
His first remarks, however, prompted the laughter of the audience in the press conference he held Friday at the State Palace in Cipanas, West Java.
"Actually it should be okay for me not to comment (on the issue) because I've never watched it," Yudhoyono said, laughing.
He continued, however, with more serious statements; voicing his support for legal actions that the police are taking against the case and the need to safeguard the morality of the nation.
"I support the police's measures of taking legal actions against those who multiplied and spread the videos, as well as those who made them, if there is indeed an indication that it is against the law," Yudhoyono said.
"This incident makes us realize that freedom should not make the state powerless; many will be victimized. It makes us think how to ensure that while freedom is guaranteed, we can still protect the communities from bad excess of freedom," he added.
Yudhoyono reminded the public, particularly parents, educators and religious leaders, to help preserve the morality of the nation.
"It is a shame that the videos have even circulated abroad. They will think there will be no more left of morality in the country," he said.
The videos in question allegedly featuring Nazriel "Ariel" Irham, vocalist of local band Peterpan (which the nick "Peterporn" comes from); and models and presenters Luna Maya and Cut Tari.
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