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)