Legislators defiant over calls to delay broadcasting bill

Legislators defiant over calls to delay broadcasting bill

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Ignoring public criticism over several contentious articles in
the broadcasting bill, some legislators on Wednesday refused to
postpone the endorsement of the bill scheduled for Monday.

They attributed the criticism of the bill to people's
misunderstanding and lack of accurate information.

Therefore, they said, dissemination of information about the
final draft would be the appropriate step instead of a delay.

Legislators Paulus Widiyanto, Effendy Choirie, and Djoko
Susilo were among those who insisted that the bill must be passed
according to schedule.

"The most important thing is how to make the public understand
the bill. This is a matter of understanding rather than of
postponement," Effendy from the National Awakening Party (PKB)
told the media here.

Paulus of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI
Perjuangan) and Djoko of the Reform faction concurred, saying
that the final draft will be made available to the public next
week.

"Dissemination of information on the bill will help create a
common understanding," Paulus said.

Minister of Communication and Information Syamsul Mu'arif
earlier suggested that the endorsement of the bill be rescheduled
to allow the public to become acquainted with the bill and to
gain inputs from the public.

Legislators and the minister will meet on Monday to decide
whether the endorsement will take place or be delayed.

Criticism and protests from the public have been pouring in
against the broadcasting bill.

They say the bill may curb freedom of expression and the right
to information.

The Union of Indonesian Television Journalists (IJTI) has
urged legislators and the minister to delay the contentious bill,
despite some positive articles in it.

Some of the criticism revolves around the excessive power
granted to the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI), a
regulatory body to be set up.

Instead of allowing the radio and television broadcasting
companies freedom to arrange their own programs, the bill
mandates the setting up of KPI that will have the authority to
determine broadcasting manuals, program standards, and to process
all violations of the regulations.

Critics say the broadcasting bill will reinstate the monopoly
exercised by state television TVRI in providing nationwide
broadcasting.

Under the bill, only a public station is allowed to carry out
nationwide broadcasting. All private televisions, therefore must
build networks in the regions to enable them to enlarge their
coverage.

However, Djoko reiterated that the rising criticism and
protests were due to the distorted perception of the radio and
television broadcasting unions.

He blamed the government for its wish to interfere in
regulating and supervising the broadcasting activities.

Meanwhile, Paulus who chairs the special committee for the
broadcasting bill deliberation said that legislators wanted the
establishment of an independent regulatory body, and the
government did not like this idea.

Not only that, there have been some concerns that the
licensing and the various powers given to KPI could transform the
body into a powerful institution that could inhibit press
freedom.

Neither the government nor the House could guarantee that KPI
would protect press freedom.

Contentious articles

1. Article 7 (2):
The Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI) is independent and
regulates broadcasting activities.

2. Article 8 (2):
In carrying out its functions, KPI has the authority:

a. to establish rules and codes of conduct for broadcasting
activities

b. to supervise the implementation of the rules and codes of
conduct

c. to give sanctions to those violating rules and codes of
conduct.

3. Article 16 (1):
Centralized ownership of private broadcasts by one person or one
company both in one or several areas of coverage is restricted.

4. Article 20 (2):
Public broadcasting stations can conduct broadcasting activities
using a network station system covering all parts of Indonesia.
Article 20 (3): Private broadcasting stations can conduct
broadcasting activities using a network station system, with a
limited coverage.

5. Article 22:
A broadcasting license is issued by the state following a
recommendation from KPI.

6. Article 27 (3):
Relay of fixed programs from foreign broadcasting institutions is
limited in terms of their duration, types and number.

7. Transitory provision:
Existing broadcasting stations must adapt to this law within at
least two years after its enactment.

Source: Broadcasting Bill