KPID on the Reactions of Partial Western Music Ban

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The official Twitter and Instagram account that is run by the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (West Java KPID) continues to receive criticism from members of the public after it opted to limit the airing of 17 English-speaking songs across the region’s radio stations and television programs.

“I think pro and contra is normal,” said West Java KPID Chairman Dedeh Fardiah on Sunday, March 3, “It’s their right to comment whatever they like, but is it necessary to respond [to the comments], I don’t think so.”

She reminds members of the public to read carefully on what drove the KPID to partially-ban the songs before throwing comments about the issue. She also said that criticism has come to her through her personal social media accounts.

Read also: KPI: 17 Western Songs Curbed from Being Aired in West Java

“I represent the West Java KPID, don’t take it out on my personal social media accounts,” said Dedeh.

Article 10 (1) of the region’s broadcast program standard curbs the airing of programs and contents containing adult material, obscenity, sexual lyrics, or activities that resemble sexual activities. The second point within the Article also bans scenes or lyrics that can be viewed as an attempt to sexually objectify women in general.

Contents curbed by this night-time airing policy (22:00-03:00) comprise of songs sung by Bruno Mars, Pharrell Williams, Zayn Malik, Ariana Grande, up to Ed Sheeran.

The scheduled airing of the songs only affect areas within the West Java region and on radio and television platforms, “Outside of that is not within our power,” said Dedeh.

ANWAR SISWADI