By M.E. Dodge
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

BANDUNG, Indonesia – Less than one year ago, Indonesia enacted an “anti-pornography” law, which bans public displays of flesh. Over the New Year’s holiday, four woman as well as a manager and an event organizer at a bar in a trendy Indonesian city could be the first to be charged under this new statute.

The arrest on New Year’s Eve at a party held at Belair Coyote Bar and Restaurant in Bandung, Indonesia for “sexy dancing” raises concerns and worries that the law may be the prelude to the imposition of wider restrictions. The law was introduced with the strong backing of the country’s small but influential Islamist political parties. Opponents of the statute said the parties’ real intention was to use the law to spread orthodox Islam in Indonesia by controlling artistic and cultural expression. The law, critics warned, also threatens the country’s rich pre-Islamic cultures, which have long coexisted with Indonesia’s traditionally moderate brand of Islam.

Despite the existence of the 441-page anti-pornography law, there is debate about whether to charge the women with a criminal law or the more severe anti-pornography law. Punishment under the anti-pornography law can be as severe as having to serve up to 10 years in prison for the dancers. Further, under the anti-pornography law, the manager and organizer could face as much as 15 years in prison.

Commenting on the incident, a police spokesperson said the dancers had been wearing skimpy clothing. Under the new law, all bodily movements deemed obscene or a threat to public morality give rise to an action to be prosecuted under the anti pornography statute.

The law has prompted protests across Indonesia amid fears it could threaten local traditions such as Bali temple dances or penis sheaths traditionally worn by the aboriginal Papua tribes.

It is unclear whether the women and bar personnel will be convicted, but authorities are pushing to prosecute.

For More Information, please see:

The Star – Indonesia group condemns case against “sexy” dancers – January 6, 2010

Jakarta Globe – Bandung Sexy Dancers Busted for ‘Stirring Desires’ – January 5, 2010 

The New York Times – Arrests for a Revealing Dance Pit Flesh Against Faith – January 24, 2010