Indonesia censors in court fight

By Lucy Williamson
BBC News, Jakarta

Nia Dinata made a film about the Bali bombings

Film-makers in Indonesia have brought a case before the constitutional court, asking for the censorship board to be disbanded.

They say that the film law is outdated, and that the board is trampling on their constitutional rights.

The petition has been backed by some of the biggest names in Indonesian cinema.

The board describes its goals as unifying society and preparing it for change, while protecting it from any negative impact.

Repressive rule

The film law which provides the legal basis for the censorship board was last updated under the repressive rule of former President Suharto in 1992.

Former President Suharto oversaw the censorship board

The board has jurisdiction over all movies, commercials, TV films and music videos released in Indonesia.

Many independent film-makers complain that it routinely cuts scenes, including some related to historical events.

One of the country's foremost directors, Nia Dinata, told the BBC that the board was still scared of film's influence over people, and that it was holding back the industry's creativity.