Broadcasters urged to intensify information on volcanic ash impacts
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission for DKI Jakarta Province (KPID) has urged television and radio broadcasters to intensify information on vigilance and mitigation of the impacts of volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau in a manner that is accurate, verified, proportionate and easily understood by the public.
Chairman of KPID DKI Jakarta, Ahmad Sulhy, said broadcasters should not merely report events but also play an important role in building community preparedness and calm.
“Therefore, the speed of information must go hand in hand with accuracy, caution and public safety,” he said in his official statement in Jakarta on Monday.
The appeal is in line with steps taken by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to anticipate the impacts of volcanic ash, including air quality monitoring, the implementation of “water mist” systems, the application of distance learning (PJJ), and coordination with relevant agencies.
He further asked broadcasters not to air information that is speculative, sensational or unverified.
“The public needs information that is not only fast, but also helps them make the right decisions,” he said.
KPID DKI Jakarta, Sulhy continued, also reminded all broadcasters to remain compliant with the Broadcasting Code of Conduct and Broadcasting Programme Standards (P3SPS), particularly the principles of accuracy, balance, public interest and the provisions on disaster coverage.
“In disaster reporting, broadcasters are also asked to pay attention to the protection of victims, children and vulnerable groups, and to avoid presenting images or narratives that could add to public trauma or fear,” he explained.
In circumstances such as these, he continued, the broadcast space must be a space that provides information certainty, education and calm.
“We invite all broadcasters to jointly support the mitigation steps of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and protect the public from information that cannot be accounted for,” Sulhy said.