KPI slams closure of radio station

M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon

A broadcasting regulator has condemned the closure of a radio station critical of the government and asked the station to continue broadcasting.

"The government has no right to close down the station because, according to the broadcasting law, that right is vested in us," said Izack Tulalessy, a member of the Maluku Broadcasting Commission.

The FM station, Gelora Tavlul, was closed down by order of Southeast Maluku Regent Herman Adrian Koedoeboen. The order was issued on Dec. 13 or about a month after the regental government rejected a request by the station's management to extend its permit. According to the order, the station must stop broadcasting because its business permit expired in 2003.

A group of police officers and government officials descended on the radio station on Thursday, ordering it off the airwaves.

The station has been critical of the Southeast Maluku administration, most recently airing a story about the alleged misuse of Rp 19 billion in disaster mitigation funds.

Izack said the government should not resort to repressive measures when it was criticized. The government has the right to answer and this right should be utilized, Izack said.

Rudi Fofid, the coordinator of the Maluku Media Center joined in the chorus, expressing regret over the incident, which had happened "even in the reform era".

Separately, Regent Herman Adrian was adamant the station had to be closed as its permit had expired.