New tyranny from legislature

New tyranny from legislature

The House of Representatives has insisted on passing the bill
on broadcasting into a law despite strong protests from many
groups.

The Association of Indonesian Television Journalists (IJTI)
has heavily criticized the bill, which proposes the formation of
the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission (KPI).

The House expects the commission to formulate the quality
standard, content and classification of the shows to be aired.
The commission will also be tasked to make a law on broadcasting
as well as to control and to fine any broadcasting company which
breaks the law. It can close down any broadcasting company
considered to have violated the law.

Such an institution could become a new dictator to
broadcasting companies, like the defunct Information Ministry
during the New Order administration.

Freedom is the adversary of corruptors, which is why the
political elite wants to scrap the press. This daily thus calls
for the cancellation of the passing of the bill into a law.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta