Banning online porn

Sat, 03/29/2008 11:11 AM  |  Opinion

I fully support this policy because many people have been harmed by pornography sites. A lot of sex-related problems like pregnancy before marriage are negative impacts of these sites. I realize it can't be enforced in all parts of Indonesia due to financial constraints.
BONAR SILALAHI
Bandung

I'm so glad finally the House of Representatives passed the bill which bans online pornography. At least it can prevent children from opening such harmful sites.
EVI AZIZAH
Bandung

We must respect the decision. Without such an effort we will see a moral crisis of the next generation.
RONI
Jakarta

Only through education (formal and non-formal) as well as maintaining family traditions and religions, we can promote high morality of the people.
SOEMARSO
Jakarta

This ban should be exclusively directed and designated toward underage children. Pornography cannot and should never be banned from adults. How will adults access our porn? DVD? There are other ways.

A better solution is for the government to educate parents about online porn and ways to prevent their/our children from accessing it.

This would leave the authority and responsibility in the hands of parents nationwide, not the government.
CALLUM
Balikpapan, East Kalimantan

I don't think so, because I personally believe the bill will not be effective. The House of Representatives in this country is never consistent with bills they create. We shall see.
RIZAL ANSORY WIGUNA
Bandung

The pornography bill is useless. I think parents must closely monitor their children while they surf the Internet. It is better for the House of Representative to think about other problems which are more urgent.
HANI F.
Bandung

While it is imperative to shield children from pornography, trying to ban it is like asking the waves to stop coming to the beach. Internet is a worldwide phenomenon, so how can one country think it can stop it?

There are, however, many sites offering online protection which prevent minors from accessing porn. It is up to the owners of computers, whether privately or Internet cafe owned, to use these safeguards.
AL
Medan, North Sumatra

I am happy to hear about the banning of online porn but how long will it be effective. Money and sex are a cycle of life. Our culture is always changing. Pornography can be seen in a number of Javanese temples, but they are sacred. We may learn many things from there. My advice is "Please ban people from being corrupt."
JOKO SUKISNO
Bogor, West Java

Of course it's necessary. Pornography has been destroying our children because it can be assessed freely as if this country has no rules. I support the ban and hope the government can enforce the rules rightfully.
SUBIAKNO
Tangerang

Yes, online porn should be banned. It is a disgrace to all females regardless of their age. Things which should happen behind doors are published on the Internet.
KUMAR
Kuala Lumpur

Another well thought-up and implementable new law by the government* Why not clean up the porn by the roadside first? It is clearly visible to passers-by including women and children.
DAVID
Jakarta

Why doesn't the House concentrate on finishing pro-business regulations like bills on taxes, minerals and coal, revision of labor law and regional taxes.
MELA
Jakarta

It won't be workable or useful either. The best way to prevent people from seeing pornography is to introduce them to moral values through any religion.

The House would be better of encouraging people to go to houses of worship. The government has to easily issue permits to build houses of worship. This should be made easier than accessing online pornography.
KARIS M
Jakarta

It is really necessary. They should have done it when the Internet first came to Indonesia. Do not only ban online porn, but stop the distribution of porn DVDs. On TV, I saw a child who accidentally watched a porn movie DVD which is slipped in the middle of film for underage children.
YOSEVA SILAEN
Jakarta

Whether or not people regard online pornography as being necessary, a total ban is a violation of our rights to self expression and freedom of speech -- like banning kissing on TV and disallowing nudity in adult magazines. Oh, wait.
LAGA MAHESA
Jakarta

Just a waste of time because the government does not have enough resources to keep this regulation on track. The House is dreaming of showing people they know and understand IT when in fact they don't at all.
FARIZAL
Jakarta

This is a big step in the right direction in the fight against pornography in Indonesia. I sincerely hope the bill encompasses a robust system of enforcement and is not mere lip service.
VINCE
Jakarta

Illegalizing online pornography is necessary to protect children. Women often become victims of online pornography. With the new ruling, I hope that we can stop the spread of pornography.
WULAN R.
Bandung

Wake up everybody* The essence of the law is on spreading information and protecting electronic transactions to boost the economy. Not on pornography.
EDDY SATRIYA
Depok, West Java

Pornography probably brings little benefit to a very 'little' group of people. However it's going to harm the rest of the nation, for sure.

When it has touched all layers and been practiced by most of them, who'll be able to identify highly civilized Indonesians?

Who'll feel it's proper to dress politely?

Who'll know the sacredness and greatness of the 'first night'?
RETNO
Yogyakarta

The government has to provide a clear definition of pornography because nudity has become part of our culture. As an example, men in parts of Papua only wear koteka to cover their genitals.

Are instruments in biology classes and artistic objects included in pornography? I agree with the law banning online pornography focusing only on protecting children.
AYU
Bandung

Online pornography is banned, but people can enjoy printed porn photos in magazines and tabloids displayed by street vendors. Why should we ban the online stuff?
NOVI
Jakarta

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