August 26, 2011
The Islamic Defenders Front has plans to besiege the SCTV studio in Jakarta on Saturday for its plans to air the controversial “?” film on Takbir night.
Habib Salim Alatas, the Jakarta Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader, claimed approximately 1,500 of its members were going to gather outside the SCTV premises and demand it cancel all plans to air the film.
“We do not understand why SCTV is willing to air "?", while the Indonesian Council of Ulema (MUI) has clearly said the movie damages Islamic values and morale,” he said.
The film "?", by Hanung Bramantyo, is a study of the role and state of Islam in modern Indonesian society.
However, Hanung's bold portrayal of the religion has caused many critics and hard-line followers of the faith to call it blasphemous.
MUI issued a religious edict in April forbidding Muslims from watching the movie, saying “?” implied it was alright to abandon Islam since it showed the alternative paths to God.
Alatas said SCTV knows that demands were made for Mahaka Pictures to prohibit the controversial movie.
He added that the FPI would not leave the SCTV studio until they promised to take “?” off air.
He said the group has sent a letter outline their proposed protest to the Jakarta Police.
“If SCTV still airs “?”, we will take serious action,” he said.
SCTV spokesman Uki Hastma said the station would take time to listen to FPI.
"However, I cannot say yet what other steps we will take. That will be decided after we talk with FPI," Uki said.
( x the JG)
za 27 aug 2011 - 17:33