If it’s about blocking adult sites or any other site entirely, I can consider it to be acceptable (both morally and with respect to a country’s policy or laws). But this latest one on Facebook being imposed in Indonesia, kills the very purpose of the social network. While almost everyone uses these social networks to stay connected with friends, everyone is a part of a bit of gossip, flirt, etc and to put a ban on these sounds ridiculous. It’s like driving a Ferrari at 30 MPH. I fully respect the decision coming from the Muslim clerics, who have tailored a few guidelines for the use of the Facebook and refraining from banning the site altogether. Of course the users in Indonesia who are big fans of the social network, making it the most popular site in the country will rejoice being given the permission to use it under vigilance.
I can bet the amount of activity taking place via the connectivity it provides to millions across the globe, a very minor breach might just result in the site being completely banned. Hope our friends in Indonesia can continue using Facebook, without breaching the barriers. I Wonder how they are going to work this out and if by any chance it encompasses gossip and flirting in every aspect, I suggest users should rather sit and table talk with their grandparents.
Actually what happened to Facebook in Indonesia is not as what Western people think nor as what this article say.
I think Indonesia is the most progressive country in the world who dramatically turn and adopt democratic way of life in a very short time. In fact, Indonesia is the leading democratic country in South East Asia region now (compare to other country nearby). If you ever been in Indonesia, you will see and hear that people can express anything, criticize anyone (including the President or the Government), or say anything you want to public, as long as you can prove and be responsible of what you are doing or say.
However, Indonesians people have different social background than Western people that lead them to implement new genre of democracy, something that they call “democracy with responsibility”.
It is true that the cleric organization in Indonesia has condemn Facebook recently, due to its ill usage by some non-responsible users. However, this decree is not written on stone. Those clerics can say anything, it is not a law nor compulsory to follow, and people will choose what they believe or do what they want freely. It is just an example to the essence of freedom of speech practice in Indonesia.
I quoted some funny forum post from one of Indonesian social network sites, Why Facebook is not’Kosher’. The writer said that you should consider to avoid Facebook because:
1. It can draw your attention from your children
2. It can make you depend on your computer / gadget everytime
3. It can keep you out from our surrounding and neighbours.
4. It can make you forget to eat
5. It can spoil you with snacks and grow fat
6. It breaks age barrier, even a baby can be Facebook member.
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