KPI: Sex offender may appear on TV to educate public on dangers of predators

Chairman of the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) Agung Suprio on Deddy Corbuzier’s podcast stated that convicted sex offender Saipul Jamil may appear on television only to educate the public on the dangers of predators.

The decision came after the sex offender received warm welcome from public figures, TV stations and fans when he was released from prison on 2 September. It sparked a huge protest from the public who demanded that television and celebrities stop glorifying sex offenders.

“We have sent out a letter and we condemn the glorification. Second, he can only appear for educational purposes,” said Agung on the podcast. The letter specifies that Saipul may not appear as an entertainer on television.

Trans TV received severe backlash from the public for inviting Saipul to appear for an interview. Film director Angga Sasongko dropped talks on distribution contracts of his works, animated series Nussa and family drama series Keluarga Cemara, with Trans TV. The TV station then apologised to the public and cancelled Saipul’s appearance.

Saipul Jamil was arrested on 16 February 2016 after a 17-year-old victim reported him to the police. On 14 June 2016, he was sentenced to three years in prison for molestation. On his appeal, his sentence was raised to five years.

He was also found guilty of giving the clerk at the court Rp250 million in bribe to sway the panel’s ruling on his molestation case. He was sentenced to three years in prison in this case.