JAKARTA, March 3 (UPI) -- An Indonesian official says that "Republik Mimpi" or "Republic of Dreams," a satirical political TV show, is a nightmare.
Information and Communications Minister Sofyan Djalil accused the show of providing a "negative political education," the Jakarta Post reported.
The show on Metro TV has also been attacked by a group accusing it of "unethical conduct" towards ethnic Chinese. A cigarette company then canceled its advertising.
Effendi Gazali, the show's creator, says that most of the politicians caricatured on "Republik Mimpi" claim they enjoy the skewering. He points to open support from one former president and the family of another one.
"So what's the fuss? Why doesn't the minister take care of television shows that promote violence and the supernatural, which are the true purveyors of bad taste," Effendi said.
Last year, Indostar TV pulled the plug on a similar show, "Republik Benar Benar Mabuk" or "Drunken Republic," after complaints from officials.
