INDONESIA: Political satire defiant in face of criticism

Republik Mimpi says it will stay on the air as the Information and Communications Minister threatens to file a complaint

The Jakarta Post
Sunday, March 4, 2007

Groundbreaking political satire Republik Mimpi (Republic of Dreams) says it will remain on the air despite a threat by Information and Communications Minister Sofyan A. Djalil to file a complaint with the Broadcasting Commission over the Sunday evening television program.

"In response to the minister's plan, the team has decided to continue airing the program," Effendi Ghazali, the brains behind Republik Mimpi, which runs on Metro TV, told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.

He said that even in monarchies, such television shows were allowed.

"The idea that people in the United Kingdom have never portrayed royals in a satirical manner is wrong. We know that the well-known comedy Mr. Bean often jokingly depicts Queen Elizabeth II," he told the Post.

Effendi said that while Republik Mimpi, which features impersonations of current and former presidents and government officials, would continue to air, there would be some changes.

"For this Sunday night's show, the president of Republik Mimpi will enact a presidential decree which moves the country from a presidential state to a monarchy," he said.

Effendi said all of the actors who impersonate current and former presidents would remain the same, with the exception of a new actor to play former president Megawati Soekarnoputri, Megawanti, "who is more concerned with public issues than the current character of Megakarti".

The program has drawn protests from Minister Sofyan, who said it humiliates government institutions and provides a "negative political education" for the people.

He earlier said that, in his role as a citizen, he would file a complaint against Republik Mimpi with the Broadcasting Commission, in the hope of having the satire pulled from the air.

According to Sofyan, the president, who symbolizes the country's authority, must be respected.

The cigarette company that was the show's main sponsor terminated its contract Wednesday, amid speculation that the move was made after receiving political pressure.

Some observers have criticized Sofyan for his attack on the show and his threat to have it taken off the air.

"It's OK to criticize the press when it is unprofessional, but the minister's plan is outrageously shameful," Agus Sudibyo, a member of the Press and Broadcasting Coalition, told the Post.

Agus and Ade Armando, a communications expert at the University of Indonesia in Jakarta, agreed that the ruling government has given off worrying signs that it could move toward an active suppression of press freedom.

"The minister's plan is a violation of press freedom, which the government should respect.

"In a democracy, guaranteeing press freedom is as important as preserving the government's image," Agus told the Post.

Legislator Djoko Susilo of the National Mandate Party warned that Sofyan was in danger of turning his ministry into another New Order-era information ministry, which actively shut down media outlets that were critical of the government.

The minister, he said, should criticize pornography and supernatural television programs, as well as soap operas, instead of worrying about Republik Mimpi.

Former presidents Abdurrahman Wahid, Megawati Soekarnoputri and Soeharto, represented by his family, have all sent their support for the continued airing of the program, according to Effendi.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla has also endorsed Republik Mimpi, he said.

Political satire shot down for the second time

Jakarta --- Members of the groundbreaking political satire Republik Mimpi (Republic of Dreams) defended themselves Friday from government efforts to pull the plug on the TV show.

Effendi Gazali, the brains behind Republik Mimpi, which is aired on Metro TV, dismissed accusations by Information and Communications Minister Sofyan Djalil that the show represented a"negative political education" for people.

"None of the current and former leaders that we lampoon have ever said that they dislike it," Effendi told The Jakarta Post.

He added that the family of former president Soeharto said they were bemused by the show, and that former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid openly supported the show. Effendi also pointed out that the comics who portray former presidents B.J. Habibie and Megawati Soekarnoputri have appeared on other shows.

"So what's the fuss? Why doesn't the minister take care of television shows that promote violence and the supernatural, which are the true purveyors of bad taste," Effendi said.

Sofyan said he would likely file a complaint against Republik Mimpi, which features actors humorously portraying current and former leaders.

Date Posted: 3/5/2007