New radio station comes under fire

PALU, Central Sulawesi: The Association of Indonesian Private Radio Stations (PRSSNI) has strongly protested the Central Sulawesi Provincial Legislative Council's decision to launch its own radio broadcasting station despite the absence of a license.

Head of PRRSNI's Central Sulawesi branch office Tasdiqy Lasahido reiterated that according to the broadcasting law, only private companies are allowed to set up a private radio station.

Telecommunication Law No.36/1999 stipulates that users of radio waves and satellites are obliged to obtain a license from the telecommunication services office.

Launched on air on Monday, the councils's radio named Bahana Swara Rakyat is financed with funds taken from the local budget. It airs the council's activities on 96.82 Mhz.

Head of the province's telecommunication and transportation service Widoto admitted that the council has yet to notify his office regarding the launch of the radio station. (27/07)