Saipul Jamil is just released from the prison on Thursday (2 September 2021) after 5 years as a prisoner. To refresh back, the singer was sentenced to jail for sexual harassment to a 17 year old teenager.
Not only that, Saipul Jamil also was proven to have bribed the clerk of the North Jakarta District Court, Rohadi, for the amount of to Rp 250 million. For good behavior while in prison. Saipul received 30 months of remission from the total 8-year sentence he received.
On 2 September 2021, during his released day. Saipul Jamil was welcomed like a hero. He waved from inside the car, his face smiling brightly. He is also seen wearing a flower necklace around his neck. At this point we might confuse and ask what the hell is happening? Why did this prick is welcomed like athletes who competed in the Olympic? Furthermore, he even is invited to television channel!
I personally understand that on personal level, Saipul Jamil feel happy after he was released. I know that he is not well educated and well-schooled to understand sensitive issues, public perception, and also reputation management. But what about those who welcome him and invite him to TV program, variety shows? Are we glorifying a sexual harasser?
Let’s dive into the idea of media has moral obligation of covering both sides. So, is it okay to invite Saipul Jamil? Yes it is. But ‘cover both sides’ is the value of press, the reportage function from media. So why did he is invited to a variety show such as Kopi Viral? Not Hotroom, Mata Najwa, Rosi, Aiman, or ILC?
Furthermore, if we use this narration. The next question will be, is there a need to cover about him or him to talk his side at the media? Prior to his appearance, no one talk about him. No one even give a glimpse at him, and he had no issue. So basically there is no need for him to tell about ‘his side of the story’ in the media.
The appearance of Saipul Jamil in the variety shows of national television, shows that our people and our media easily fall to short euphoria just for the sake of engagement, and rating. There is nothing wrong with chasing high engagement and high ratings. But to the point of glorifying a child molester? I wish we are not going to fall further.
Putu Radar Bahurekso
t : @puturadar | ig : putu.radar
Mail:
p.radar@monsterjournal.com
radarbahurekso@gmail.com
