KPI slams closure of radio station

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.