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)