Calendar 2007
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Popular Art and Freedom of Expression in Indonesia
You may have heard of her before. She is the pop diva known as Inul Daratista who has been entertaining her fans with modern dances moves that have been the subject of debate and controversy throughout the country. Many Muslim clerics in Indonesia want to ban her from television while Inul herself and other media groups say that there is nothing wrong with her act called ‘the drill’. In fact, during this election season she has turned into a highly valued political commodity. But the debate is not new – how do such expressions of artistic freedom and how does such a role taken by a woman blend into a modern Islamic society?
The clerics from the Indonesian Council of Ulema’s want to ban her because they say her dancing borders on being pornographic and therefore ‘encourages Indonesians to take part in lustful acts’. This position has only served to increase Inul’s popularity in the country and throughout the region. At the same time, many of the younger generation say that as a growing democracy, Indonesians should be able to make their own choices.
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Human Rights : Suggested Readings