Trans TV Apologizes for Inviting Saipul Jamil to Talk Show

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Trans TV apologized for inviting dangdut singer Saipul Jamil to a talk show following his release from prison after serving his sentence for a child molestation conviction. Trans TV was the first station to have invited and featured him on television, an act that sparked heavy criticism.

"We accept all criticisms and inputs for the 'Kopi Viral' episode that aired on TRANS TV on Friday, 3 September 2021 with Saipul Jamil as a guest," the station's Instagram account, @transtv_corp, posted today, September 6.

Saipul Jamil appeared as a guest on 'Kopi Viral' just one day after the convicted child molester was released frTrom jail. A clip was posted to TRANS TV's official YouTube channel. The video was blasted with negative reactions because of its sympathetic title 'MashaAllah, This is The Sad Story of Saipul Jamil While in Prison'. The video has since been deleted.

"We apologize for the show. This has come to our special attention and [we have] conducted a thorough evaluation," Trans TV's Instagram post said.

Saipul Jamil served combined prison sentences for two different cases: child molestation and bribery. Ironically, upon his release he was given a glorious welcome by friends and families—given garlands of flowers and paraded around in a red Porsche, as if he had just won an Olympic gold medal.

The public has taken to the internet to express their protests, creating a petition to boycott Saipul Jamil from appearing on television and YouTube. The petition is addressed to the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), demanding the body prohibit TV stations from inviting Saipul Jamil.

The change.org petition has received more than 400,000 signatures, and the number is increasing. 

Read: Jokowi Passes Regulation on Child Protection

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