Learn To Place The Right Terms And Symbols Of Religion

Illustration by Andry Winarko

JAKARTA A number of horror films often use the term and/or elements of Islam in their title. Most recently, the film entitled Kilat reaped the pros and cons because it stumbled upon it. The Indonesian Ulema Council also firmly requested that Indonesian filmmakers place the use of term and symbol religion appropriately.

"In principle, we must use the term and/or symbol of religion in the right place," said Head of the MUI Fatwa Division, Asrorun Niam Sholeh, Monday, April 1, 2024.

Despite causing polemics including the boycott call for the Kiblat film, he said that internally the MUI had no special discussion regarding the film made by Bobby Prasetyo. Including, the discussion of the need for fatwas related to the use of religious terms that are not in accordance with their place.

"Usually, we (MUI) establish a fatwa after there is an in-depth investigation with complete information," added Niam.

The famous preacher, Ustaz Adi Hidayat hopes that the polemic caused by the Kiblat film can educate other art activists to be more careful in producing works of art. Not only art activists, UAH-his nickname-also hopes that Ustaz-who often make content on social media, cooperate with TV, are really guided by ethics, morals, educating, and lead to goodness, not seeking enthusiasts/connoisseurs by producing controversy.

"It's okay to make a title that attracts attention. But it becomes invalid if it is against, both with the moral values that have been rooted in society, especially the value of certain beliefs," explained UAH through the TikTok account.

"For that, perhaps we respectfully pray to all art activists, any artists and so on, hopefully they will always be healthy, they will get good ideas, brilliant," he continued.

UAH advised art activists to present good and quality films to the people of Indonesia. In addition, they must also promote in a good way. According to him, art activists do not need to make themes that are often known to the public, but their contents collide. By creating good content, the film will sell well on the market.

"You don't have to say, well, we haven't seen the contents yet, it's good, it's just that. But it would be better if the promotions were carried out in a good way. We don't need to make a theme that feels familiar to certain people, certain communities or certain religious values, but it turns out that the dish collides with understanding that is common and understanding," said UAH.

Apart from religious circles, the controversy over Kiblat films also disturbed fellow filmmakers. Young filmmakers from the Khanza Film Production House, Agus Riyanto also highlighted and expressed his opinion.

"As a producer and young director in Indonesia, I was disturbed by the excitement and wanted to respond to the Kiblat film poster that caused polemics in the community. For me, it's actually legal for a producer and his creative team to make a promotional poster. Of course with creative ideas that they think fit the content of the story. But to be honest, everyone will really wonder what the poster means," he said.

According to him, as a result of that, netizens and religious leaders were already angry. Although, Agus often wondered whether the anger was really pure or just fried certain parties.

If this is just fried, it means that PH will benefit a lot because it can be a free promo because many people are gossiping about the poster. But if the intention is to harass religion in my opinion, they or creative people must not think that way. Because actually the film is an entertaining spectacle, there is a good meaning in the film, "explained the filmmaker from Yogyakarta.

Agus revealed, although sometimes there is a marketing strategy that takes advantage of controversy, it is almost impossible for a filmmaker to plunge himself into trouble if he has no intention and purpose. Moreover, making a film also requires a big cost. If you return to business, you must at least return the capital. Thank God it will bring you profits," he added.

So, is it because it relies solely on aesthetic value that the poster is justified and is not judged as blasphemy? Agus emphasized that it was also true when the poster was deemed to have no purpose to harass a certain religion or group.

"From the point of view of aesthetic value, posters that offend religion may have interesting visual elements or create discussions in the context of visual arts," he said.

He added, ethically, presenting content that offends religious beliefs can be considered an insensitive act. This can damage the relationship between individuals and the community and trigger unwanted social conflicts. Therefore, it is important to always consider the social and moral impacts of these works of art, as well as maintain a balance between freedom of expression.

As an art worker, Agus argues that it is legal to make such a poster because the art is free to express itself. But if it turns out that the poster offends the race or a group or religion, then it is only natural for the producer to apologize and revise what is on the poster.

"Because actually we as art workers have no purpose of harassing or offending certain groups or religions. Art is free but polite and can be held accountable for their work," he explained.

Executive Producers of the film Heaven Menanti assessed that it is not necessarily also a poster of the Kiblat film describing a complete story of the film as a whole. I believe the Qibla film with good content and of course as a spectacle and there must be guidance. So people should not be angry to respond to a film quickly. We'll watch the whole thing first, then we can comment and criticize the contents of the film," said Agus.

He emphasized that art workers must respect religion and their followers. As an art worker, it is very important to maintain respect for religion and its followers in the works made. Even if there is an intention to convey criticism or controversial views, it must be done in a sensitive and considered manner.

"If I will pay attention to the impact this poster has on the community, especially if it causes negative reactions or conflicts. As art workers, we must take responsibility for our works and consider their impact on the public," concluded Agus.