Government won't privatize TVRI Program 2

Government won't privatize TVRI Program 2

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Harmoko said yesterday
that the government has no intention of privatizing Program 2 of
the state-owned TV network, TVRI.

"The government won't privatize Program 2," he said, "it will
only improve the quality of the channel's programs."

Last year President Soeharto gave the green light to the plan
to privatize TVRI in an effort to improve the state-owned
television network's management.

Harmoko told reporters after installing new high-ranking
officials at his ministry that, in line with regulations, Program
2 will never become a commercial station.

"Only its management will cooperate with private sectors to
produce qualified programs," he said.

According to the minister the cooperation will only involve
program making and sponsorships.

Citing examples, Harmoko said sponsorships will include, among
others, the broadcasting of football championships and quiz
shows.

TVRI financing comes from fees collected from viewers, a
government subsidy and royalties from private TV stations.

According to the minister, a special team is now working on
the corporate status of the TV network in order to improve its
professional management.

"There are three alternatives, perseroan (state-owned
commercial entity) or perusahaan umum (state-owned company, the
business of which also comprises social missions), or a
combination of the two," he said.

The team consists of officials of the Ministry of Information,
of the office of the State Minister of Administrative Reforms and
experts in technology and management, he added.

The State Minister of Administrative Reforms will have the
last say on the status, Harmoko added.

He said that the administration has drafted a bill on
broadcasting and "hopefully it will be submitted to the House of
Representatives this year".

Several House members and other circles have repeatedly raised
the question of why the administration has not yet sent the bill
to the legislative body for discussion.

Earlier in the day, the minister installed six new officials
of his ministry. Among them is Dewabrata Kobarsih, the new
director general of Radio, Television and Film Affairs who
replaces Alex Leo Zulkarnaen. Alex has entered retirement. (05)