LSF Raises the Urgency of Independent Censorship Culture, Involves Academics and Mothers

Kapanlagi.com - The Film Censorship Institution (LSF) has once again raised the National Movement for Independent Censorship Culture (GBSM). This time, through a socialization event at CGV Depok Mall, Depok, West Java, on Tuesday (21/7/2026). This event engaged students, university students, film communities, and mothers. The event was also enlivened with a joint screening of two Indonesian films showing in July, namely Jangan Buang Ibu and Takkan Kubiarkan Kau Menangis.

“We are collaborating with community groups that can be at the forefront of viewing literacy,” said LSF Chairman Naswardi when met during the event.

He hopes that the involvement of academics and mothers will foster the habit of sorting and choosing viewing content according to age groups. Independent censorship is still deemed necessary, considering LSF's research findings in 2023 show that only 46 percent of children watch content that meets age classification.

Naswardi highlighted the dynamics of viewing consumption in the digital era. “The potential for children to watch adult content is very open. Especially through information networks and social media, as well as their own smartphones,” said Naswardi.

1. Monitoring Children's Viewing in the Digital Era

The Chairman of the Appreciation & Promotion Subcommittee of LSF, Gustav Aulia, explained that monitoring children's viewing needs to go beyond television and cinemas. Especially since over-the-top (OTT) platforms and social media now provide wide and free access to content, including for young users.

“For example, they could be in their room, lounging around, with the door closed, watching on their phones. Meanwhile, we don’t know what our children and younger siblings are watching,” said Gustav.

He emphasized that this is where GBSM plays an important role. That is, encouraging self-awareness and the role of parents in limiting viewing according to age classification. “So it’s not just in cinemas, but also in private spaces,” said Gustav.

The General Chairman of BPI, Fauzan Zidni, reminded of the risks that lurk when children access content via mobile phones without supervision. He highlighted the possibility of exposure to illegal shows that are not age-appropriate and contain inappropriate content.

“So not only are they watching content that is not age-appropriate, but they are also exposed to online gambling ads, and their devices could get viruses. This is something that must be considered, and it is also a responsibility for parents,” said Fauzan.

2. Support for GBSM

LSF Chairman, Naswardi. (Ratnaning Asih/ Liputan6.com)

GBSM receives support from the local government. “This national movement deserves our collective support, as it teaches literacy to the audience to understand which segment corresponds to their age group,” said the Deputy Mayor of Depok, Chandra Rahmansyah, who attended the event.

Chandra also emphasized the educational function of films when chosen according to age. “By selecting films appropriate for the right age group, it will provide the right education for the community,” he stated.

From the academic circle, UI Lecturer, Saraswati Putri, highlighted the position of film as a cultural product. “Film is not just entertainment; it is a cultural product, and within it, there are very complex cultural practices involving many people,” she said.

In line with this, watching age-appropriate content is considered to help young viewers digest and appreciate films as cultural products in a healthy manner.

(kpl/rtn)