20,000 radio transmitters illegal

20,000 radio transmitters illegal

SURABAYA, East Java: About 20,000 radio transmitters operate
without an official permit, and there are fears that the
equipment may be used for subversive purposes if it goes
unchecked.

The East Java chapter of the Association of Indonesian Amateur
Radio Stations (Orari) urged the authorities yesterday to crack
down on the illegal radio transmitters.

A spokesman for the local Orari, Eddy Santoso, said some
people have used their radio transmitters to send messages
including "dirty" words and even messages critical of the
government.

"Radio parts are on sale everywhere and people who have the
know-how can easily assemble (a transmitter)," Eddy told Antara.
He added the Indonesian law on private radio does not regulate
the sale of radio parts.

The illegal use of radio transmitters has disrupted the
reception of television broadcasts, he said. (pan)