Minister: Don't Glorify Sexual Violence Perpetrators Even If They're Celebs
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7 September 2021 10:13 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Bintang Puspayoga demanded mass media to not glorify perpetrators of sexual violence, even if they are celebrities.
As widely reported, dangdut singer Saipul Jamil was invited and featured on television after serving his sentence for a child molestation conviction. He was given a glorious welcome upon his release, which then sparked criticism and a boycott petition.
“The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection deeply regrets the glorification of perpetrators of sexual harassment in broadcast media,” said Bintang in a written statement, Monday, September 6.
According to her, rampant television shows featuring celebrities who committed acts of sexual harassment would bring negative impacts on victims and the public. This glorification, Bintang continued, could give the impression that sexual harassment is a common thing.
Bintang also said that the government had underlined zero tolerance for all forms of violence against children, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. She hoped that TV stations could present shows that not only entertain but also educate and inspire the public.
“We hope that policies in the broadcasting sector and in the public must be balanced between the need for one's popularity and its impact,” said the minister.
Read: KPI Launches Internal Investigation into Alleged Sexual Violence
RINI KUSTIANI
