Indonesia: Islamic group seeks to censure film that promotes pluralism

Jakarta, 29 August (AKI/Jakarta Post) - Indonesia's Islam Defenders Front (FPI) is calling for a dialogue with filmmaker Hanung Bramantyo over the latter’s film, which promotes religious pluralism.

“We refuse [for the film to be screened], so let’s sit together in a discussion to decide which parts of the movie should be cut,” FPI chief Habib Salim Alatas said Monday.



Habib added that the discussion was necessary to prevent further demonstrations over the film.

The FPI is a hard-line Islamic group that claims to enforce moralism and defend Islamic principles.



“Hanung should talk about the film’s mission, and after that we shall decide whether the movie should be screened at theaters.”



On Saturday last week, hundreds of FPI members demonstrated in front of SCTV television station in Central Jakarta over its plan to broadcast the film on the night of Idul Fitri.



After meeting with the protesters, SCTV management later decided not to screen the film.



In April, FPI also demonstrated against the film being screened at theaters. At that time, Hanung met with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and decided to cut some parts out of the movie.