Clarification of TV levies, please

Clarification of TV levies, please

From Sinar pagi

Contradicting opinions on TV levies have left me confused. Each side seems to have strong grounds.

Those against the levy say there is no legal basis for the TVRI foundation to extract money from the community. Those who believe the community is obliged to pay the TV levies refer to a presidential decree.

I think clarification is needed to avoid further confusion in the community. Especially since security officers are said to be involved in collecting the levies.

PUTRA CENDEKIA

Bekasi, West Java

Information Minister R. Hartono's reply to Sinar Pagi

There is, as yet, no law. This does not mean, however, there is no legal basis.

Presidential Decree No.40/1990 on TV set levies refers to the obligation of TV set owners to pay a levy.

Actually, there is nothing new about TV levies. Since 1962 TV set owners have been obliged to pay these levies. At the time, there was no legal basis in the form of a law but it did not create any problem in the community.

The community was aware that TV levies greatly supported the existence of TVRI as a medium to improve the nation's intellectual life. If people now want to make an issue of it, this is not logical. As good and responsible citizens we should meet the obligation.

I own a TV set, I must pay the levy. There should be no doubt about fulfillment.

Some people are reluctant to pay the levies arguing that TVRI programs are low in quality. This is no reason to oppose the idea. To comply with the wishes of its viewers TVRI needs a lot of funds. The community should not make its demands in advance. It should fulfill its obligation and pay the levies.

If the funds are adequate, the quality of TVRI programs will automatically be improved.