Jakarta chosen for 'Star TV' base

Jakarta chosen for 'Star TV' base

JAKARTA (JP): The Hong Kong-based television station Star TV
announced yesterday it has selected Jakarta as its Southeast
Asian headquarters.

Star TV officials said they chose Jakarta because of
Indonesia's advanced satellite communications and its "open-
skies" policy, which creates a business environment in which both
local and foreign programmers can flourish.

"Jakarta is an obvious base for our Southeast Asia operations,
especially considering Indonesia's pioneering role in Asian
satellite communications," Star TV's chief executive Gary Davey
said.

The television network has appointed David Dennis as its
Regional Director for Southeast Asia, who will be based in
Jakarta.

Indonesia's achievements in satellite communications has
enabled Star TV to expand its operations in Southeast Asia using
the Palapa B2P Satellite, starting from March 4. Previously, its
programs were transmitted through the Asia Sat 1 only.

In the second half of 1995, Star TV will begin broadcasting
from its new satellite, Asia Sat 2, distributing new, encrypted
digital channels. A multi channel package designed specifically
for audiences in Indonesia is envisaged, including movies,
services, popular music video channels, sports, news and
entertainment programs from Asia and around the world. Star TV
and its Indonesian partner, the Indovision Group, will also
collaborate to produce entertainment programs in Bahasa.

Indovision, which is operated by PT Matahari Lintas Cakrawala,
is TV Star's sole pay-television licensee for Indonesia.

Indonesian viewers can see the Palapa-delivered Star TV
service through a mix of Star TV's Prime Sports, Channel [V] and
Star Movies programs. During the day the service is free, and
anyone with a satellite dish capable of receiving signals from
the Palapa B2P can see it. During the evening hours, when Star
Movies is shown, the transmission is encrypted and viewers must
have a Star TV-authorized receiver to watch the films. However,
Indonesian direct-to-home customers will not have to pay
subscription fees for the duration of the service.

David Dennis said yesterday that the purpose of opening the
regional headquarters was to localize its activities on major
regional audience groups to as close as possible to the viewers
it serves.

He said Jakarta was chosen as the representative office for
numerous good reasons, including Indonesia's communication
developments and policies, business opportunities, and
population.

"With its well-established Palapa satellite platform and open
skies' policy, Indonesia has taken a long-term view of the
broadcasting industry and has not imposed restrictions that might
have inhibited its growth," he said.

He added that Bahasa also became a consideration because it is
being increasingly used in some other countries.

According to him Star TV will provide real opportunities for
Indonesians, especially artists and producers. "We will promote
Indonesia to a large section of the world, by broadcasting its
products."

Star's services can be enjoyed by setting up a receiver, which
cost Rp.750,000 ($300) each. (yud/sim)