Indra Subagja, Jakarta – There are many ways to oppose the Draft Anti-Pornography and Porno-action Law (RUU APP). Aside from demonstrations, opposition to the law can also flow from comics. There is a picture of a person bathing, there is also one of a person kissing. Hmmm...

The black-and-white comic was handed out by representatives of the Unity in Diversity Alliance (Aliansi Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, ABTI) when they met with Regional Representatives Council (DPD) members at the House of Representatives (DPR) on Wednesday May 10.

In addition to an explanation of the reasons for opposing the law, the 13 page comic titled “As pornographic as pornography is, the RUU Porno is more pornographic”, also contains various kinds of pictures critical of the law.

For example there is a person bathing in a river with the writing “Be vigilant of bathing in the river because it violates the RUU Pornography”. There is also a picture of a woman playing sport wearing short trousers with the writing “Playing sport in a public place and exposing the thighs will incur the RUU APP”.

In addition to this there is also a picture of a pedicab driver urinating in the open with the writing “Urinating just anyplace means exposing the sexual organs in a public place and facing a jail sentence because it violates the RUU APP”.

Then again there is a picture of a woman and a man who want to embrace and kiss in a public place. Ups! But don’t thing its just nothing. It turns out the pair are husband and wife. Under the picture it reads “Kissing and embracing your own husband is a pornographic act”.

Uniquely, the comic, which is a creation of Eko Nugroho, can be pirated and distributed as widely as possible among the public.

Seeking support from the DPD

In addition to handing out the comic, the ABTI representatives also sought support from the DPD over the draft law. “We are asking that the DPD struggle for and convey [our] wishes because the RUU APP will give rise to national disintegration. Up until now the voice of DPD has not be heard”, said one of the activists, Yeni Rosa Damayanti.

Damayanti also held up a magazine with the photograph of a Papuan women wearing traditional clothing but with her chest blacked out by the sensor. “This is an insult to culture”, she in a fiery outburst of emotion.

In response, DPD speaker Ginandjar Kartasasmita declared that the DPD’s position on the draft law is still being discussed in a plenary meeting. “We have not yet taken a position. We are only accommodate [different views] and seek a solution. We will convey our friend’s wishes. Whatever the outcome this republic cannot be deemed uniform”, said Kartasasmita. (aan)

[Translated by James Balowski.]