Mahfud MD Regarding Butet Intervened By Police: Art Should Not Be Intimidated

Coordinating Minister For Political, Legal And Security Affairs Mahfud MD/DOK Kemenko Polhukam

JAKARTA - Candidate for vice president (cawapres) number three, Mahfud MD said art performances should not be intimidated by law enforcement officials. He reminded that art should be universal and can be enjoyed by everyone. This was conveyed by Mahfud in response to the hectic news that artist Butet Kertaradjasa and scriptwriter Agus Noor were intervened when they were about to hold a theater stage. This incident is said to have occurred on December 1-2. " “No, it's art, the art is universal," Mahfud told reporters in Jakarta, Tuesday, December 5. Mahfud said he was a connoisseur of works of art, including those performed by Butet. Although he did not know about the news of the intervention, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) said that this incident should not have been experienced by art activists. “ I don't know if there is intimidation or not. That means no, art, art, ” he said. "But you can see in the history of Butet's journey (making, red) I always watch it," continued Mahfud. Meanwhile, Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief Kombes Susatyo Purnomo Condro said his party did not want to intervene in the performances held. Its personnel only carry out security for every event, including the cultural stage at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM). " “ Community activities in the Central Jakarta area, be it in the form of cultural arts and so on, of course we must ensure that these activities take place safely," said Kombes Susatyo, Tuesday, December 5. Susatyo also said that the police had never interfered with the actors or the event material presented. They only want to coordinate with the organizers regarding permits, including with security guards to discuss security and traffic arrangements if needed.

Strengthening this statement, the organizing committee for the 'Dark Secretariat of Kayan Production' named Indah also confirmed that there was no intervention as was widely reported. Moreover, his party has directly taken care of licensing to the police. “ Just to convey that I was indeed the one who carried out the management regarding licensing letters to the police. Then there was no intimidation in the signing of the letter, ” concluded Indah.