Govt to pass ruling on broadcasting

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