The Film Censorship Board (Indonesian: Lembaga Sensor Film; LSF) is an independent government body responsible for reviewing, censoring, and classifying film and television content in Indonesia. It ensures that all movies, television shows, advertisements, and film promotions (e.g. posters) meet national content standards before they’re distributed to the public, thereby upholding the country's social norms and cultural values. By regulating media content, the LSF aims to protect audiences from exposure to inappropriate or harmful content.
| Lembaga Sensor Film | |
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Jakarta, Indonesia |
| Agency executives |
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| Website | http://www.lsf.go.id/ |
Key Functions
editThe LSF reviews all media content to determine their suitability for public viewing.[1] If the content contains scenes that are considered violent, sexually explicit, politically sensitive, or portrays non-educational themes (e.g. suicide as the solution),[2] the LSF has the authority to require edits and even block the content from release altogether.[1]
The LSF assigns age-based ratings to films which indicate the suitable age group for viewing.[3] The age classification considers themes like violence, language, drug use, and sexual content.[1] The age classification are as follows:[4]
| Indonesian Code | Indonesian Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SU | Semua Umur | All Ages | Suitable for all ages |
| A | Anak-Anak | Children | For children aged 3–12 |
| BO-A | Bimbingan Orang tua-Anak-anak | Parental Guidance-Children | Parental guidance for children |
| BO | Bimbingan Orang tua | Parental Guidance | Parental guidance for children under 13 |
| BO-SU | Bimbingan Orang tua-Semua-Umur | Parental Guidance-All Ages | Parental guidance, suitable for all ages |
| R | Remaja | Teen | For teenagers aged 13–16 |
| 13+ | - | - | Suitable for audiences 13 and older |
| D | Dewasa | Adult | Category is divided into two: 17+, 21+ |
For any content to be publicly shown or advertised, it must receive a Censorship Approval Certificate (STLS) from the LSF, confirming that the content meets the body's standards.[3] If a piece of content fails to meet censorship standards, the LSF issues a non-approval certificate, restricting its distribution to the public.[3] Filmmakers who disagree with censorship outcomes can engage in discussions with the censorship board. If a resolution isn't reached, the issue is taken to a higher committee or a full plenary session to decide.[5]
Since 2017, the LSF has held the Anugerah Lembaga Sensor Film, an annual award ceremony recognizing films and TV shows that uphold censorship standards and national values.[5]
Organizational Structure
editThe LSF board consists of 17 members in total. 12 members come from the public sector with expertise in fields like education, culture, law, information technology, and religion, among others, and 5 members come from government institutions covering education, culture, communication, religion, and the creative economy. From within the board, a chairperson and vice-chairperson are elected; the chairperson oversees LSF operations and represents the institution.[6]
A secretariat, led by a secretary, is tasked with administrative and technical support, handling planning, resource management, and general affairs.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Lembaga Sensor Film (LSF)". Tribunnewswiki.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-11-04.
- ^ Pangestu, Panji (2019-01-01). "Kebijakan Lembaga Sensor di Indonesia Terhadap Film dan Dampaknya Kepada Penonton Bioskop". academia.edu.
- ^ a b c "Lembaga Sensor Film (LSF); Fungsi, Tugas dan Wewenang". Referensi Makalah (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2024-11-04.
- ^ "Memahami Sensor Film, Pengertian, dan Kategorinya - Gaya Hidup Katadata.co.id". katadata.co.id (in Indonesian). 2022-05-19. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
- ^ a b "Mengenal Lembaga Sensor Film, Sudah Ada Sejak 1900-an - linimassa.id" (in Indonesian). 2023-08-21. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
- ^ a b "Peraturan Pemerintah Republik Indonesia Nomor 18 Tahun 2014 tentang Lembaga Sensor Film" (PDF). hukumonline.