Fears of govt control greet broadcasting directorate

JAKARTA (JP): An alliance of radio and television associations protested on Tuesday the government's decision to establish a directorate general covering broadcasting affairs.

The Indonesian Press and Broadcasting Society (MPPI), Association of Indonesian Private Radio Broadcasters (PRSSNI), Association of Indonesian Television Journalists (IJTI), Forum for Private Television Stations and Association of Indonesian Broadcasting Practitioners (HPPI) urged the government to annul the ministerial decree on the establishment of the directorate general of broadcasting.

They argued that the decree, which was issued in January, would inhibit press freedom and the free flow of information.

"The planned establishment of a directorate general of broadcasting affairs in the Ministry of Communications shows the government's intention to control radio and TV stations, and this is against freedom of the press and the people's right to obtain information," MPPI chairman Ridlo Eisy said.

Minister of Communications Agum Gumelar issued a decree on Jan. 26 for the establishment of a directorate general of broadcasting affairs and concerning the issuance of broadcasting licenses to new radio and TV stations.

HPPI chairman Wahyu Adhitama said in place of a directorate general an independent broadcasting commission should be established, as stipulated in the 1997 Broadcasting Law.

"President Abdurrahman Wahid should be consistent with his stance that information affairs should be returned to the public with the abolishment of the information ministry," he said.

PRSSNI representative Soetojo Soekomihardjo said that hundreds of private radio stations were fearful the decree could be a prelude to attempts to curb the flow of information.

"The decree should be annulled because it is against the broadcasting law guaranteeing the free flow of information to the public," he said. (rms)