Networks reduce TV violence

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's commercial television stations have begun phasing out violence on the air to comply with a government appeal, despite its popularity with viewers as well as advertisers.

A. Alatas Fahmi, director of operations at Television Pendidikan Indonesia (TPI), told Antara yesterday that commercial network executives now hold periodic meetings to review the state of the industry, which have resulted in a move to reduce the amount of violence in films.

Fahmi admitted that the move would only be successful if done in a concerted manner, involving all stations without exception.

Films with "violence, sex and mysticism" are highly popular with Indonesian audiences, he said. "Is there something wrong with our society?"

The high ratings stimulate competition among advertisers eager to sponsor them, he said.

He did not refer to any specific program, but said some programs have been withdrawn as a result of the regular meetings between the networks.

Fahmi said to ensure compliance the government is expected to reprimand those stations that violate the agreement to reduce violence.

Network executives are also drawing up a code of ethics for television broadcasters. "As it is now, we have difficulties in determining the parameters for films that are considered violent," he said.

Television stations have been widely criticized in the past year for the amount of violence shown, which some experts have even linked to rising crime rates.

The latest criticism came from Minister of Information Harmoko, whose portfolio includes supervision of the television industry.

Harmoko said during a speech to mark the anniversary of TVRI, the state television network, that he was concerned that the fierce competition for ratings has led to more "violence, sex and mysticism" on television programs. (emb)