Fears of govt control greet broadcasting directorate

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)