INDONESIAN ULEMA ASKS TV STATIONS TO KEEP HOLY RAMADAN

Jakarta, 27 Sya’ban 1435/25 June 2014 (MINA) – Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) asked all television stations to keep the holly Ramadan  by broadcasting Islamic programs.

“Television programs have to keep the holy Ramadan . We urged them not to broadcast unsupporting programs to Muslims worship, such as dancing and comedy,” said the chairman of  Information and Communication Division MUI, Imam Suhardjo in Jakarta, Tuesday (24/6).

Imam added, every year, MUI criticizes the television programs because it is still far from the spirit of Islam.

“Indeed there are some improvements to the programs in Ramadan, but we want disposed of all prorams that destruct Muslims worship in Ramadhan,” he said.

Imam critisized songs and comedies programs in the time of sahur and break fasting which are not supporting Muslims worship.

In the surveillance, MUI uses guidelines which issued byIndonesian Broadcasting Commission(KPI) and a number of MUI directions.

According to him, there are principles of propriety and decency among Indonesians. If the principles are applied well by TV stations, Muslims will enjoy their worship in Ramadan.

” For example, it is inappropriate to broadcast dancing show in the evening during Ramadan. Outside Ramadan also inappropriate, moreover in Ramadan,” he said.

He hope, TV stations do not just chase ratings and advertisements. If they make a good show, the viewers rating will outomatically high.

Circular Letter of KPI

KPI officially issued a circular letter 1458/K/KPI/06/14  dated on June 23, 2014 ruled the Broadcasting Services during Ramadan.

Based on the Act number 32 , 2002 KPI  obliged to remind all broadcasters stations not to show the program which opposing the Code of Conduct and Standard of Broadcasting Program.

Some prohibited programs are erotic dance, vulgar scene, mistical, and horror programs (T/Syt/P04).

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)