Probe over Television quiz shows welcomed

Probe over Television quiz shows welcomed

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Harmoko has authorized the Ministry of Social Services to question the decision of private television stations to air quiz shows without its permission.

Harmoko said the Ministry of Social Services has every right to question the way quiz shows are organized and the prizes that are given to winners, Antara reported.

The Ministry of Information monitors the content of television programs but not the legality of quiz shows, he told reporters on Friday night.

The proliferation of quiz shows on television prompted the Ministry of Social Services last week to question their legality, saying that they fall under the category of "lottery", which requires its permission.

It cited Kotak-katik, Benyamin Show and Kuis Bulan Madu among the shows that do not have official ministry permission.

The issue was raised during a hearing between Minister of Social Services Inten Soeweno and a commission of the House of Representatives. A number of legislators at the hearing said some of the quiz shows amounted to gambling, which is prohibited in Indonesia.

Even if a quiz show is bought from a production house, he said, the television station must still have permission from the Ministry of Social Services.

State-owned TVRI responded by saying that all of its quiz have properly followed Ministry of Social Services procedures.

TVRI director Azis Husein said the Ministry routinely sends them a warning letter if they broadcast a quiz show without the proper permit. (emb)