Bill on broadcasting sparks controversy<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The bill on broadcasting which is being
\ndiscussed at the House of Representative has given rise to
\ncontroversy.<\/p>\n
The controversial articles include those concerning the
\nownership of radio stations and the requirement to relay programs
\nof the state-owned radio, RRI, said Purnomo, chief daily
\nexecutive of the Indonesian National Private Radio Association.<\/p>\n
Chapter 9 of the 58-chapter bill on ownership prohibits the
\nestablishment of private television and radio stations by any
\norganization which is based on politics, ideology or religion.<\/p>\n
The owners of religion-based radio stations are especially
\nconcerned that the government will use the chapter to control
\nthem, even close them down.<\/p>\n
Many religion-based radio stations in the country have
\nperformed well over the past many years. In Jakarta alone they
\ninclude the Moslem At-Tahiriyah, Asy-Syafi'iyah; Protestant
\nSinar Kasih, UKI, and Catholic Atmajaya.<\/p>\n
\"The word 'religion' in the chapter must be erased,\" said
\nlegislator Tutty Alawiyah, the founder of Asy-Syafi'yah radio.<\/p>\n
Director General of Radio, Television and Film Dewabrata has
\ntold radio stations to not worry because the chapter is not
\ndesigned to prevent followers of any religion from setting up a
\nradio station which promotes religious aspirations.<\/p>\n
The prohibition against the setting up of a radio station by a
\nreligious organization, he says, means the radio may not be run
\nby a religious group but should be managed by a company instead.<\/p>\n
\"If the Indonesian Hindu Congress wants to have a TV (or
\nradio) station, it first has to set up a company to run it. The
\nstation can focus on Hinduism in its programs as long as it
\ncomplies with the law which regulates the percentage of news,
\nentertainment, advertisements,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The explanation on the chapter also says such enterprises are
\nsubject to government supervision to prevent the owners from
\nabusing the programs for their own benefit.<\/p>\n
Private radio stations are also concerned about Chapter 34,
\nwhich requires that they relay RRI programs, including RRI's news
\nbulletins. There are 13 RRI broadcasts subject to obligatory
\nrelay.<\/p>\n
\"If possible, we want the number reduced to five times a day,\"
\nsaid Purnomo.<\/p>\n
Given the controversial chapters, Purnomo praises the bill for
\nallowing undertakings which are seen as necessary for radio
\nstations to be able to compete with television. The endeavors
\ninclude the use of advanced technology and the setting up of
\nnetworks among radio stations.<\/p>\n
Until today, the use of advanced technology such as satellites
\nis indirectly prohibited by ministerial decree No: 39\/1971.
\nTrijaya broadcast by satellite in 1994, but had to cancel
\ntransmission at the government's order. According to the decree,
\na private radio is a local enterprise, not a national one. Eddy
\nNoor, spokesman for the Ministry of Information, said that by
\nusing satellite, Trijaya was heard nationwide which was in
\nconflict with its qualification as a local radio station. (jsk)<\/p>",
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