TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Mayor of Depok Mohammad Idris, expressed his objection against Garin Nugroho's movie entitled 'Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku' and banned theatres in Depok from screening the movie.

In his letter received by Tempo on April 24, 2019, the Mayor stated to the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) that Garin's movie "goes against religious values." Idris argued that he merrely attempts to protect his citizens from exposures to asexual behavior.

The city's head of communication agency Sidik Mulyono explained that the letter is a direct response to the movie that was first screened simultaneously across theatres in Depok on April 18, 2019.

"It also acts to strengthen family resilience against sexual deviation and its effects," said Sidik.

The Depok City Administration argued that the 'Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku', internationally released as 'Memories of My Body', has caused public unrest. The Administration added that the sexual deviation promoted by the film would affect the city's youths view regarding the issue.

The administration also fears young people would justify what they consider to be irregular sexual behavior.

The letter then sought to end the screening of the movie from every theater in the area of Depok City.

ADE RIDWAN YANDWIPUTRA (CONTRIBUTOR)