The way Indonesians consume films is undergoing a major transformation. With the rise of streaming services, not only has film distribution shifted, but audience preferences and viewing habits have also moved from theaters to digital platforms. While offering convenience, this digital access brings new challenges namely, overly broad access to content and increased exposure to potentially harmful material.
As more films contain sensitive content and societal values continue to evolve, the need to revise censorship guidelines and age classifications becomes more urgent. A film classification system that reflects contemporary realities and aligns with the psychological development of viewers is believed to help audiences make age appropriate viewing choices.
This study aims to identify the shifts in film consumption patterns in the digital era, public perception of negative elements in films, audience understanding of the role and function of the Film Censorship Institution (LSF), and the effectiveness and relevance of the current age classification system. It also explores how well the classifications are accepted by the public.
The research used a dual-method approach: surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs), involving 1,222 respondents across three age groups 13+, 17+, and 21+. Most respondents were from major urban centers such as Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek), Bandung, Surabaya, Medan, and Makassar.
One of the key findings was a growing awareness among viewers about the presence of sensitive content in films. However, the main challenge lies in the fact that most digital platforms allow relatively unrestricted access, making it easy for children and teens to encounter adult themed content.
A film or film advertisement shall be classified as suitable for all ages if it meets the following criteria:
Target Audience
It is produced and intended for general audiences, with particular emphasis on suitability for children.
Content Appropriateness
It contains themes, titles, visual scenes, dialogue, and/or monologue appropriate to the cognitive and emotional development of children, and does not harm their physical or psychological well-being.
Educational and Cultural Value
It includes elements of education, culture, moral character development, wholesome entertainment, aesthetic appreciation, and/or encourages curiosity about the surrounding environment.
Exclusion of Violence
It does not contain depictions of violence, whether physical or verbal (in dialogue and/or monologue), that may be easily imitated or replicated by children.
Safety Considerations
It does not portray behaviors or situations that are dangerous and easily imitated by children.
Exclusion of Inappropriate Behavior
It does not contain visual scenes, dialogue, and/or monologue that may encourage children to imitate sexual behavior, show disrespect toward parents and/or teachers, use offensive language, or engage in antisocial behavior such as greed, deceit, and/or dishonesty.
Prohibition of Supernatural Content
It does not include content that could lead children to believe in superstition, the occult, magical spirituality, mysticism, or other supernatural practices that conflict with religious norms.
Prohibition of Horror and Sadism
It does not depict scenes that are horror-based or sadistic in nature.
Protection of Mental Well-Being
It does not feature visual scenes, dialogue, and/or monologue that could negatively impact a child's psychological development, such as infidelity, suicide, gambling, or the use of narcotics and other addictive substances.
A film or film advertisement is classified as appropriate for Teenagers Aged 13 and above (R13) if it satisfies the following conditions:
1. It conveys educational value, moral character, aesthetic appreciation, creativity, and promotes positive intellectual curiosity;
2. It features themes, titles, visual scenes, and dialogue and/or monologue that are appropriate for viewers transitioning from childhood to adolescence; and/or
3. It does not portray sensitive scenes that could be inappropriately imitated by adolescents in this transitional age group, such as dangerous actions or depictions of promiscuous behavior between individuals of the opposite or same sex.
A film or film advertisement shall be classified as suitable for viewers aged 17 (seventeen) years and above if it meets the following criteria:
Educational and Cultural Content
Contains elements of education, culture, moral values, appreciation, aesthetics, and/or fosters a positive sense of curiosity.
Age-Appropriate Themes
Includes themes, titles, visual scenes, as well as dialogue and/or monologue that are appropriate for audiences aged 17 (seventeen) years and older.
Sexual Content
Includes depictions of sexuality presented in a proportional and educational manner.
Violent Content
Includes depictions of violence that are presented proportionally.
Prohibition of Sadism
Does not contain scenes that depict sadistic acts.
A film or film advertisement shall be classified as suitable for viewers aged 21 (twenty-one) years and above if it meets the following criteria:
Adult-Oriented Content
The title, theme, visual scenes, and/or dialogue and/or monologue are specifically intended for adult audiences.
Mature Themes
Contains themes and issues related to family dynamics and adult life.
Moderate Depictions of Sensitive Content
Includes visual scenes and dialogue involving sex, violence, and sadism, provided they are not excessive.
Broadcasting Time Restriction
May only be broadcast on television between 23:00 and 03:00 local time.
Limited Exhibition Venues
May only be shown in cinemas, except for screenings conducted for film appreciation, educational, and/or research purposes.