The Celebrity Kyai and Phantoms of the Past: Tussling with the Bounds of Indonesian Moralities, Realities, and Popularities

After two weeks of controversy the teen flick Buruan cium gue! (Kiss me quick!, 2004, Findo Purwono) was withdrawn from Indonesian cinemas on 21 August 2004. The film had passed the censors but after its release it had elicited strong protests from the famous dai (preacher), public figure, and businessman Abdullah Gymnastiar. Without actually having seen the film – basing his views simply on its title – AA Gym believed that it would encourage illicit premarital sex amongst teenagers. It did not take him long to round up support in Islamic governmental and mass organizations. After two weeks of loud