UU ITE – my too indolent solidarity for Indonesian bloggers

by Colson on Apr. 9, 2008, under indonesia, politics

Here we are. In relatively comfortable conditions – although we also should always and everywhere watch out for authorities wanting to invade the privacy and freedom of their citizens. Yet, for us it’s still easy to be “brave” and speak our minds if we wish.

For bloggers in Indonesia times are not that great now. Maybe partly as a consequence of some half wits here in the Netherlands, who spoke their mind but should have thought twice before they did. Anyhow, Indonesians have to cope with UU ITE – the government’s guide for a decent and proper cyberspace. The officials aim at cleaning up cyberspace. No pornography or nasty criticism anymore. It implies serious punishments for naughty surfers and bloggers and a lot of off limits area’s in cyberspace – YouTube and MySpace included.

I should like to state solidarity with those over there. And start by saying I admire what “Journal by the Lightbeamers” (http://journal. marisaduma.net) published about this phenomenon here ( a really great essay on the subject), here and here and also this most effective entry, “Commander” by “Life like This, Avianto’s journal” ( http://home.avianto.com) which she refers to.

If I can be of any help?

Updates (1) : More sensible posts on this subject here (annaelissa) and here
(pure thought).
Update (2): Ah, things are mending now it seems.
Update (3): Some point out the Indonesian government should not use “Pornography” or Wilders as decoys which divert attention from the real, the economic problems.
Update (4): Apart from one minor stronghold, the artistic masterpiece “Fitna”, the Government has unconditionally surrendered. Marisa Duma, in her latest comment, reports on it. This article in The Sydney Morning Herald has even better news: the government offered apologies to the public.
Wavatar Anna E.
Apr. 9, 2008

Hi there! Thanks for your… err… condolences on the subject matter! And thanks for including my blog as well :)

Wavatar Andie Summerkiss
Apr. 9, 2008

There is nothing more that I need to say that have not been said by hundreds of other Indonesian bloggers. That is a major step-back in the freedom of individual expression. It made me feel ashamed of what they did and the reason they use to justify it.

As you said, we never know how valuable it is until taken away. Sad, really.

Wavatar sushihunt
Apr. 10, 2008

Grandpa Colson, I know I’m off topic but just want to report to you that the Syrian movie – Out of coverage – is fabulous! it’s hilarious, very detailed, artistique.
and to report on the date, that was one of the best dates i’ve ever had.

Live from Singapore.

Wavatar Bonnie2405
Apr. 10, 2008

Aha!!! :)
update Zus!!!! via sms :)

Wavatar colson
Apr. 10, 2008

@sushihunt: Had not the ghost of an idea any Syrian cinema did exist at all. Now I’m forced to start a moviehunt – with some help from Bonnie of course. But: thanks for your information.

As for the date: details we want, specific details please.

@ anna e.: Your welcome. Moreover: it’s good to have a doctor (to be) around.

@ andy summerkiss: Let’s hope they will come to their senses eventually. I’m afraid however that this is a progressive disease.

Wavatar Marisa
Apr. 10, 2008

Thank you for the link, colson.

Wavatar Diny
Apr. 10, 2008

Uum… I thought the censorship era is over? Wouldn’t this be considered as an effort to ‘control’ the cyber world (then the electronic media, maybe)? Keep on bloggin’ guys!

Wavatar bonnie2405
Apr. 11, 2008

would it even be possible to control the cyber world…? :)

Wavatar Pelopor
Apr. 11, 2008

Unfortunately, cyberspace is for a significant part controllable.
A botnet like Kraken sends millions of SPAM e-mails a day. Google uses censorship in certain countries. And with the help of internet providers countries can block websites and content.

Wavatar Marisa
Apr. 12, 2008

The post has been revised. Several photos from the meeting added.
Oh, and YouTube has been officially unblocked.

If you’re interested, a commentary article of the meeting is coming soon.
(A bit too late, I know.)

Wavatar Colson
Apr. 13, 2008

@Diny, pelopor, bonnie: Censorship is a virus especially dangerous in combination with might. It’s a crucial matter of public sanity and health for citizens to be on the alert always and fight it vigorously whenever the authorities show the slightest tendency to get infected by it.

@Marisa: Peculiar. One of those attending a meeting with National Crisis on the agenda, seem to have been focusing on a small, yellow box on the desk of one of men in the front benches.The results of this journalistic curiosity, have not yet been revealed however. Was that the box of Pandora, we wonder.

Wavatar therry
Apr. 13, 2008

My friend was full with anticipation of seeing Sex and the City Movie that should be launched officially on May 30th.

I wonder whether that movie will actually be played in Indo, as the title itself is already looking for trouble :P

Wavatar Marisa
Apr. 13, 2008

@ therry

But we used to have Sex and the City (and Desperate Wives) on the telly right?

Wavatar Irwan Effendi
Apr. 24, 2008

Dear all,
In representing Asosiasi Internet Indonesia, I have wrote an article discussing the weaknesses and some illegal basis of the new information law, which you can download at http://www.isocid.net/kelemahanuuite.pdf . If you need an English version, please send an email to sekretaris at isocid.net