Crowds Of Apologies After The Saipul Jamil Boycott Petition Viral, Netizens Are The Key

Saipul Jamil (Source: saipuljamil.com)

JAKARTA - The return of Saipul Jamil on Indonesian television has angered netizens. The insensitivity to victims of sexual harassment also made netizens respond by making a boycott petition through a petition on Change.org.

The petition, which was created by a user named Let's talk and enjoy, reads, “BOYCOTT OF SAIPUL JAMIL FORMER PEDOPHYLIA CONTENTS, SHOWING ON NATIONAL TELEVISION AND YOUTUBE.”

The petitioner mentioned several reasons why Saipul Jamil should be boycotted. In addition to the obscenity case, he also bribed the North Jakarta District Court judges in the amount of Rp250 million to change the decision related to his case.

"Saipul Jamil released a new song when he got out of prison, very sure that in the near future, he will be flooded with jobs, many TV stations will invite him for the sake of rating alone. Meanwhile, the victim is still struggling with the trauma and fear.”

This petition was then greeted with support by Angga Dwimas Sasongko who chose to withdraw the circulation of his production film from a TV station featuring Saipul Jamil.

STATEMENT OF ATTITUDE. Responding to Saiful Jamil's presence on television in a way that does not respect the victim, then we @visinemaid, stop all discussions of distribution agreements @filmnussa & @film Keluargacemara with the relevant TV stations because they do not share the same values as our child and family friendly work. ."

Angga's statement received support from the artists. Ernest Prakasa, Atiqah Hasiholan, Andien, Fazza Meong, gave statements of support on Angga's Instagram column.

In addition, Cinta Laura Keihl also expressed her support for victims of sexual harassment. Through her Instagram Story, Cinta uploaded a video of Saipul and wrote, "Don't let rape culture continue to develop in our country."

"I don't hold grudges, but that pervert has traumatized the victim half to death! Life is not calm even though several years have passed. Can you imagine?” said Cinta Laura.

It seems that this netizen's anger has made many parties who have been providing support for Saipul Jamil withdraw. Trans TV conveyed its official apology. Trans TV also promised to make the Saipul case a momentum to evaluate their broadcast policy.

"We receive criticism and input regarding the Viral Coffee program which airs on TRANS TV on Friday, September 3, 2021 with guest star Saipul Jamil," wrote the Instagram account @transtv_corp, Monday, September 6.

Inul Daratista, who previously welcomed Saipul Jamil's arrival, also made an apology via Instagram. Inul Daratista had defended Saipul Jamil. He even put up when his best friend wanted to be boycotted from television and YouTube.

"I apologize profusely if in the broadcast and my comments about so and so hurt all of you. Honestly, there is no intention for anything. With so and so as friends. For me, I always see the good side of someone even if their actions are not good. It's natural for a long time do not meet then meet again," he said.

Saipul Jamil also reacted by apologizing when he was present at the download of the in-laws of Rizky Billar and Lesti Kejora which was broadcast live by ANTV. "I'm Saipul Jamil, I want to apologize to all viewers at home. Maybe there are my words or my actions that make viewers at home disappointed," said Saipul, on Sunday, September 5.

"I am just an ordinary human being who does not escape from sins and mistakes. I have made amends for my mistakes in prison. I ask for his guidance, his love for me to tread the days ahead. Once again from the bottom of my heart, I ask for the door to be opened. I'm very sorry," added Saipul.

The apology still hasn't calmed netizens' anger. Until finally KPI made a statement of attitude. Commissioner of the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) Nuning Rodiyah. Contacted by VOI, Monday, September 6, Nuning promised that his party would closely monitor the appearance of Saipul on television stations.

"First, KPI's attitude towards public unrest considers that the 300 thousand petitions submitted by the public are something that must be considered. This is not a matter of playing games. This is public unrest that must be responded to," he said.

According to Nuning, KPI has written to all broadcasters, both television and radio, to stop amplifying the narratives that glorify Saipul. Nuning also promised not to let Saipul appear on television except for some reasons.

Saipul may only appear on television if the content being broadcast contains positive contemplation or is a journalistic product containing facts. "What has to be shown to the public is that sexual misconduct should not be taken for granted."

"So the public must ensure, for example, that a news story about the release of Saipul Jamil, not then its glorification must be highlighted. This is something wrong when ex-convicts of sexual crimes are glorified as if they were heroes, for example."

Summarizing the excitement of all the events above, Ernest Prakasa then made a statement. "Today I received good news after yesterday's fuss about ex-convicts of sexual abuse of minors glorified on television. Today I received good news that KPI has responded firmly and banned it," said Ernest quoted from the @ernestprakasa account, Monday, 6 September.

Next, Ernest responded to netizens' comments when KPI only acted after being firm. "My friends, I think it's better to go viral first and then take action, rather than viral, no action is taken. If there is a problem we find out, where to report it? Report it to netizens so that it is crowded, so that it goes viral, it will definitely be dealt with," he said.