Legislators defiant over calls to delay controversial broadcasting bill

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Ignoring public criticism of several contentious articles in the broadcasting bill, some legislators on Friday refused to postpone the endorsement of the bill scheduled for Sept. 23.

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.

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

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.

Djoko, meanwhile, said if the government insisted on delaying the endorsement, it must agree to drop articles which give certain civil servants working in the broadcasting sector special authority to investigate possible crimes in the broadcasting sector and even suspend a broadcasting operation.

State Minister of Communications 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 input from the public.

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. Article 53 (1): In addition to police investigators, certain civil servants whose work and responsibility cover the broadcasting sector are given special authority as investigators, as governed by the Criminal Code, to investigate crimes in the broadcasting sector.

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

Source: Broadcasting Bill