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