Govt to pass ruling on broadcasting

JAKARTA: The government is expected to pass the draft of broadcasting regulation this week despite opposition from the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) and broadcasting groups, a minister said.

Justice and Human Rights Minister Hamid Awaluddin said on Wednesday he was set to meet Minister of Communication and Information Sofyan Djalil to discuss the enactment of the regulation on Friday.

"We acknowledge there are calls to free up more frequencies but it is the public good that must be protected by the government," he said.

KPI and broadcasting groups have expressed fear the government regulation would revive the extra powers of the government to rule on what can be aired, and undermining the independence of the media. --JP