Great Mandate Awaits Nine New KPI Commissioners

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The House of Representatives (DPR) Commission I has completed the selection process for the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) members for the 2026–2029 period. The lengthy selection process has resulted in nine new commissioners who will bear the mandate of leading the state institution that plays a strategic role in maintaining the quality of national broadcasting. This trust is not merely a recognition of personal capacity, but a great mandate to safeguard Indonesia’s public sphere amidst rapidly changing communication landscapes. Public attention is now focused not on who was elected, but on how they will address the significant tasks that await.

Indonesian broadcasting is at a critical juncture. The development of social media, artificial intelligence, media convergence, and changes in public behaviour in consuming information have altered the face of national communication. Information moves quickly, but not all of it conveys the truth. Hoaxes, disinformation, hate speech, and various provocative content spread easily, often faster than verified information. In this situation, national broadcasting finds its relevance even more crucial. Law Number 32 of 2002 on Broadcasting affirms that broadcasting functions as a medium for information, education, healthy entertainment, social control, and social cohesion. Moreover, broadcasting aims to strengthen national integration, build national character and identity, and enhance the intellectual life of the nation. This mandate has never lost its meaning. Amidst the torrent of digital information, broadcasting’s function as a social adhesive becomes increasingly important.

Indonesia is built on diversity. Differences in ethnicity, religion, culture, language, and political choice are realities that must be nurtured through healthy communication. When the public sphere is filled with misleading and divisive information, broadcasting institutions have a responsibility to present accurate, balanced information capable of building national optimism. This is where broadcasting has an advantage that social media does not always possess. Radio and television operate within regulatory corridors, journalistic ethics, and public responsibility. Every piece of information passes through a clear editorial process, so public trust is maintained. Therefore, broadcasting cannot be viewed merely as a media industry; it is the nation’s communication space.

Ironically, when this role is increasingly needed, broadcasting institutions face mounting pressure. Media disruption has changed the industry landscape. Advertising spending has shifted to global digital platforms, while radio and television must still fulfil various regulatory obligations. Many broadcasting institutions, especially in the regions, are struggling to maintain their business continuity amidst these rapid changes. The COVID-19 pandemic provided a valuable lesson. When not all citizens could access the internet optimally, radio and television remained the main sources of information for the public, especially in rural areas and vulnerable groups. At that moment, broadcasting proved itself not merely as an entertainment medium, but as part of fulfilling the public’s right to true, accurate, and trustworthy information. This is where the leadership of the nine new KPI commissioners will truly be tested.

KPI must remain firm in carrying out its supervisory and regulatory enforcement functions. However, at the same time, KPI is also required to become a strategic partner for broadcasting institutions in facing the changing times. Rule enforcement must go hand in hand with guidance, dialogue, and strengthening the broadcasting ecosystem so it can adapt to the era of media convergence. Transforming conventional broadcasting institutions into multi-platform media requires investment, human resource competency improvement, organisational culture change, and sustainable policy support. Not all broadcasting institutions have the same capacity to undergo this process. Therefore, the new KPI commissioners are demanded to be present not only as regulators but also as drivers of national broadcasting transformation.

Significant tasks also await. The revision of Law Number 32 of 2002 on Broadcasting is an urgent agenda so that regulations can respond to technological developments, media convergence, and the emergence of various digital platforms that have changed the national communication ecosystem. Adaptive regulations must maintain a balance between public interest, freedom of expression, and the sustainability of the broadcasting industry. Institutional strengthening of KPI and the Regional Indonesian Broadcasting Commissions (KPID) is also a necessity. Enhancing human resource capacity, modernising supervisory systems, ensuring adequate budget support, and strengthening governance are important parts of making the supervisory function more effective. The challenges of broadcasting today are vastly different from two decades ago, so the institution must also continue to grow in line with the times.

Tantangan penyiaran hari ini tidak mungkin diselesaikan oleh satu lembaga secara sendiri-sendiri. Broadcasting is an ecosystem involving the DPR, the government, relevant ministries and agencies, regional governments, KPID, broadcasting institutions, universities, professional organisations, and the public. Synergy among all stakeholders is the key to ensuring broadcasting can continue to perform its public service function while developing as a healthy industry. This is one of the valuable lessons the author gained while serving as a Commissioner of KPID East Java for the 2016–2025 period and being part of the KPI–KPID Task Force in drafting several broadcasting regulations.