Main image via YouTube
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants! Who’s also got a warning letter for his movie? SpongeBob SquarePants!
Nope, you read that right. The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie has been given a warning letter by the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI).
According to The Jakarta Post, the television station GTV was sent a warning letter recently after airing The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.
The letter was posted on the KPI’s website and noted that the televising of the movie was considered in violation of the broadcasting code of conduct (P3) and program standards (SPS).
The movie that was aired on 6th August on GTV’s “Big Movie Family” program, was said to have contained violent acts. These violent acts included hitting a face with a board, dropping a bowling bowl on the head, throwing a hammer at a face and throwing a pot of cactus with the help of a racket.
via GIPHY
The SpongeBob movie, which was then re-aired on 22nd August, was reported to contain violent acts of throwing a cake at a face and hitting with the use of wood.
According to the KPI, the movie was seen as potentially violating Article 14 of the KPI’s code of conduct, which states that “a broadcasting unit must adhere to the interests of children in every aspect of broadcasting production,” The Jakarta Post reported.
The warning letter also added Article 37 of the commission’s program standards that states “a broadcasting program with the classification of R is forbidden to show content that might encourage children and teenagers to learn about inappropriate behaviour.”
via GIPHY
As reported by Kompas.com, the KPI deputy head Mulyo Hadi Purnomo said that the warning letter was issued by the commission.
“According to the law, a warning letter is due as this is the first violation,” he said.
This warning letter was amongst others sent regarding 14 other programs.
Hmmm… We’re not sure what to think…
Do you think that SpongeBob is violent? Share your thoughts with us!
Info via The Jakarta Post