Indonesian top Muslim organizations support porn bill

Top organizations of the Indonesian Muslim intellectuals and clerics support the controversial porn bill being discussed in parliament, but have different opinions on its implementation, the organizations' officials said here Wednesday.

The Association of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI) and the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) said tourism spots, such as Bali island, the most favorable tourist place in the country, would get exception on the implementation of the law.

"We must discuss the matter nationally, but Bali matters must be paid a special attention," said Marwah Daud Ibrahim, chairwoman of the ICMI.

The chairwoman said that the rules in the law must not generalize all its implementations, and must be fair and respect the interest of all elements of communities.

"We support the law, but the contents must be fair for all walks of life," she said.

Separately, Secretary of the MUI Ichwan Sam told Xinhua that the organization could understand on the exception of the rules in the beautiful resort of Bali island, but MUI strongly oppose if there would be intentionally a plot to make Bali as a naked- tourism destination.

"Balinese with their bikini, that is the rights of Balinese, but if there is an attempt to make Bali 'a naked island' like a Caribbean beach, Indonesian people have a right to reject," he said.

The bill of the porn law was first proposed by the MUI and other religious leaders from Christian, Buddha and Hindu to parliament three years ago.

The discussion of the bill in the House of Representatives has sparked disagreement from the sectors of tourism, culture and other professions.

Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world, in which 87 percent of its total 240 million population are mostly moderate Muslims.

Source: Xinhua