According to the Melon Farmers, dancers, musicians and models rallied in Indonesia on Saturday against the proposed anti-pornography bill that could impose jail terms for kissing in public or baring “sensual” body parts.

Most of the nearly 1,000 protesters were women dressed in colorful traditional costumes that showed off their shoulders, cleavage, calves and midriffs. This bill defies logic, said rally coordinator Yeni Rosa Damayanti as they marched through the streets of the capital, Jakarta, under a light drizzle. The state shouldn’t try to dictate how women dress.

The protesters said they fear traditional dancing, skimpy clothes and even bathing in rivers could be declared illegal if it is passed.

Muslim groups should not be allowed to force their beliefs on the whole country, said the demonstrators, who included actors, writers, beauty pageant finalists, and a truck loaded with transvestites.

According to the organisers, the parade was intended to demonstrate Indonesia’s cultural diversity as part of a national movement to reject the bill.

The legislation, supported by Muslim leaders and the Indonesian Ulema Council, contains articles which could make it illegal for women bare their thighs, breasts or navels in public.

Those opposed to the bill say it could also end up outlawing the traditional costumes of non-Muslim ethnic groups in the country, along with the traditional kebaya and kemben dresses used in ethnic dances throughout the country.

Activist Yeni Rosa Damayanti said that the parade was not about debating religious values. Instead it was about protecting Indonesia’s cultural diversity, which the bill had put under threat.

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