Minister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai stressed that bans on film screenings or group viewings cannot be imposed unilaterally without legal basis and a court ruling.
Pigai made the statement in Jakarta while responding to the polemic over bans on group screenings of the documentary film 'Pesta Babi' in several regions and on campuses.
According to Pigai, restrictions on film works can only be carried out through legal mechanisms regulated by law. He emphasized that groups or individuals without legal authority have no right to ban film screenings in public spaces.
"Film itu hanya boleh dilarang menurut keputusan pengadilan, menurut undang-undang," Pigai said. He added that parties who feel harmed should seek clarification or make a new film, rather than impose bans.
Pigai also stated that film works are an expression of societal creativity that must be respected as part of freedom of expression in a democratic country.
